Deforestation in Northern Thailand: The Result of Hmong Farming Practices or Thai Development Strategies?
Author(s):
Delang, Claudio O
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Society & Natural Resources, Volume 15, Issue 6 (2002-07). pp. 483-504.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Taking an historical perspective, this article explores the social, economic, & political context of deforestation & watershed degradation in the highlands of northern Thailand. After WWII, the Thai government began promoting the colonization of the highlands, encouraging lowland landless farmers, agribusinesses, & logging companies to colonize & deforest the highlands. In the 1980s, the Thai government declared the closure of the frontier & gave the Royal Forest Dept (RFD) the role of protecting the nation's forests & reforesting the denuded areas. Based on information gathered in a Hmong village & an RFD station, the article argues not only that the RFD is unsuccessful in dealing with the problems, but that its policies ultimately lead to further deforestation, worsen the present water imbalance, & result in the harassment of the resident ethnic minorities, who are held responsible for the negative effects. 3 Tables, 3 Figures, 68 References. Adapted from the source document.