Effects of slash-and-burn practices on the family nainu agroforestry system in the Guna Yala biosphere region, Panama

Abstract

This study identifies the effects of slash-and-burn practices on the family nainu agroforestry system of the Guna Dule people in the Gunayala Biosphere, Panama, to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices. Based on a literature review, fieldwork, and ancestral knowledge, the study shows that while small-scale slash-and-burn is part of the production system, the shortening of fallow periods and the loss of ancestral knowledge affect soil and forest regeneration. However, under ancestral management, the system preserves forest cover and contributes to the biocultural conservation of the territory. Therefore, strengthening local knowledge and agroforestry practices is key to the sustainability of Gunayala and to strategies for conservation and climate change mitigation.

Binsaed Issegwad:

We sabga ilemagnai igi sabbi olaed, neg ogunmagged nainu bulaledggi arbae, dule guna negweburgi e Nabgwana billigang Guanyala, Panamá gad, we ilemagnai nainu igar ogannogega, nainumar nasguega. Sabgamar absolesad, yargi arbalesad geb dadgan immar wisid obesmaladg oyonado igi sabbi olaed, neg ogunmagged anba wilubba negsaedgi imagledibe, nanuinumar onasguedggi egi dognaye; neg imagleged siggirmagdedibe geb dagagan inmar wisid ieleddbe nabir inmar nabba wiolegoe, sabburse baggar oiddogoye. Deginigwena, nainumargi arbaledibe igi sergan arbamala nabir nainumar, saburmarse baggar nabir nuedgi neg burba aggwelege. Aaga, gaddig sergan inmar wisid ogannogergebe, igi nainumargi dadgan arbamala deob abelege, mer Guanayala abborsaega geb neg burba guagsad naid osiggirmaggega.