Farming systems of rural households in Hakha, Chin State have undergone an evolution due to social, political, and economic drivers that have occurred since pre-colonization. This study analyzes the evolution of the farming systems through a historical lens, and the potential impacts on the diversity of products grown and consumed in the agro-ecological landscape.
Since Chin State has the highest rate of stunting of all states and regions of Myanmar, ranked the poorest, and almost 80% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood; it is important to understand the farming systems that exist in the region. The study employs a mixed-methods ethnographic approach exploring agricultural practices and diets that includes historical interviews, economic qualitative and quantitative interviews, and agro-ecological zoning with local farmers. The study identifies a trend in the reduction and simplification of shifting cultivation systems as a response to a reduction in the labour force, dietary preference for rice, and the stigmatization of this original local farming system. Also, cash crop production has increased and less labour intensive forms of farming such as fruit orchards and elephant foot yam cultivation are becoming increasingly popular.
