Production system of the Miskitu indigenous community of Tasbarraya, RAAN

Abstract

The production systems of the miskitu indigenous community of Tasba Raya, RAAN, were analyzed in order to estimate its richness and diversity, and promote the sustainable production systems. Two workshops were carried out with the community to know the logic of the production systems they practice as well as to determine how it survives over time. Likewise, this study was complemented with visits to three agricultural farms for spatial description, characterization of crops and management method. Among the main results that were obtained, we can mention that indigenous production systems use the slash and burn system; however, they also use a long fallow land. The production system practice a long fallow land system that lasts for 5-10 years or more, this allows the forest recovery from the process of primary succession until the conformation of a secondary forest. The plots rotation modality, contributes to the recovery of soils and vegetation, as long as the land is left to rest for long periods of time. However, in some cases the Miskitus indigenous have been forced to reduce the fallow lifespan before reusing the plots up to 5 years or less due to demographic pressure, and the struggle for land ownership between neighboring communities. This situation affects their traditional agricultural practices and could also put into question the stability of the ecosystem.