ECO-ENERGETIC ANALYSIS OF VILLAGE ECOSYSTEM OF DIFFERENT TRADITIONAL SOCIETIES OF NORTHEAST INDIA

The village ecosystem functions of the Nishis, Karbis, Kacharis and Ch akmas of Arunachal Pradesh in north-east India have been compared. Shi fting cultivation is practised alone by the Nishis under different cyc le lengths with maximum energy and economic efficiencies obtained unde r a 10-year cycle. The Karbis obtained maximum energy and monetary out puts per ha from valley cultivation because of more intensive cultivat ion than that practised by the Nishis. The energy and monetary outputs of mustard cultivation on flatlands and kitchen gardens were lowest a mong the agro-ecosystems. From an eco-energetic perspective, the cattl e and mithun of the Nishis are more efficient than the swine and poult ry of other tribes. The forest is closely linked with agriculture and animal husbandry and provides fodder, fuelwood, food for humans, and t imber. The efficiency of the village ecosystem as a whole was best for the Nishis, who obtained greater self-sufficiency through recycling o f resources. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.