Slash and Burn is a farming method that involve the cutting and burning of plants in a forest or woodland to create a field called a swidden. (Swidden is an area of land cleared for cultivation by slashing and burning of vegetation).

The slash and burn practice were originated in Russian in the region of Novgorod; this is a method of agriculture primarily used by tropical-forest root crop farmers in various parts of the world, and tribal communities for subsistence farming. Human have practiced this method for about 12,000 years, ever since the transition known as the Neolithic Revolution or agricultural Revolution.  The Neolithic Revolution is the critical transition that resulted in the birth of agriculture when human stop hunting and gathering and started to stay put and grow crops.

The purpose of the slash and burn 

The slash is permitted to dry and then the burned in the following dry season. The resulting ash fertilizes the soil and the burned field is then planted at the beginning of the next rainy season with crops.  

How is slash and burn done:

Ø  Prepare the field by cutting down vegetation;( plants that provides food or timber maybe let standing)

Ø  The downed vegetation is allowed to dry until just before the rainiest part of the year to ensure an effective burn

Ø  The plot od land is burned to remove vegetation, drive away pests, and provide a burst of nutrients for planting

Ø  Planting is done directly in the ashes left after the burn

. In the scope of the Caribbean space, slash and burn dates back to the pre-Columbian era i.e the period when the varied groups of Indigenous peoples were the sole constituents of the demographic element, of the region. 

. How this method has impacted Caribbean society and culture, however, can be interpreted through the lens of the continuity of time and space in the learning society as well as the Institutions which prescribe behavior with relevance to culture. 

.Prior to the European-tailored system of productions, that being the plantation system and failed attempts of indentureship, where the heavy emphasis was placed on culture, Indigenous groups, for instance, the Taino were able to yield varied produce which aided in the sustainability of their society. 

The Europeans saw this, and adopted slash and burn agriculture in their systems, which is how the method has survived for so long a time. 

Some of these products included: Cassava, Corn, Sweet potatoes, beans, chili pepper, sweet pepper, etc.

 . These crops mentioned are mere examples of the variety and quality produce which are present in our Caribbean markets today. Crops have contributed to the economic depth in crop exports and in the tourism industry. 


Nonetheless, in light of the repercussions imposed by slash and burn agriculture on the environment, this is where the learning society and the institutions which prescribe behavior come into play.

. The Caribbean region has become more aware of the 'upshots' wrought by slash and burn agriculture on the environment as well as the health of its members. Hence, institutions that function as vehicles to educate their citizens about more safe and sustainable methods of agriculture have been developed. 

. For example CARDI, "The Caribbean agricultural development institute", is a branch of CARICOM. CARDI was developed in 1975 and bears the objective to "contribute to the agricultural development by conducting research and by exposing farmers and other persons in agriculture to appropriate technologies."