Early Forest Farming by Ritika Gupta

Early Forest Farming explores the sophisticated agricultural systems developed by indigenous communities worldwide. These communities integrated fruit trees, edible plants, and medicinal herbs to create thriving, sustainable landscapes. This book highlights the historical and ecological principles underlying these practices, offering valuable insights into long-term sustainability and alternatives to conventional agriculture. One intriguing fact is how fire was skillfully used as a land management tool, promoting biodiversity and controlling undergrowth. The book also emphasizes the critical role of indigenous knowledge, often overlooked, in contemporary environmental discussions.

The book examines traditional land management techniques like species selection, soil conservation, and water management. It progresses by introducing core concepts, analyzing case studies from regions like the Amazon and Southeast Asia, and exploring the social and cultural dimensions of forest farming. By centering indigenous knowledge, Early Forest Farming challenges conventional narratives and offers a unique perspective on sustainable agriculture, permaculture, agroforestry, and ecological restoration. It connects history, ecology, and anthropology to inform debates about food security, environmental conservation, and social justice.