Studies have confirmed shifting cultivation still plays an important role in providing livelihood and food security in many communities. It is the pivot around which annual work and ritual cycles revolve and thus an intricate part of their life and closely tied to their cultural identity.
The case studies also showed that indigenous women perform 70% of the work related to shifting cultivation. As exemplified by the Kmhmu of Laos and Naga of Northeast India, indigenous women possess a rich knowledge on seeds, crop varieties and medicinal plants.
The panel focused on the roles and contributions of indigenous women in landscape forest management. Also, the experiences from REDD+ in Asia were shared, linking it with the land use of indigenous peoples.
The session allowed for ample discussion between the panel and the audience. A video was screened at the end of the session.
