Traditional agroforestry of Angami Nagas of Nagaland state, India- a quantitative assessment of socio-cultural values and agrobiodiversity

Abstract

Nhalie (shifting cultivation) and teizie (home garden) are the major forms of traditional agroforestry practices of Angami Nagas in Kohima district of Nagaland. They are characterized by high socio-cultural significance and prevalence of high degree of agrobiodiversity. The present study aims to assess agrobiodiversity and socio-cultural values of nhalie agroforestry of Angami Nagas in Kohima district of Nagaland, India. This study collected primary data from 60 households across five Angami villages by using methods of group discussion and participatory interview. Teizie and nhalie had higher average cultural ecosystem service values of 7.5 and 7.1, respectively. In term of economic ecosystem services, nhalie cultivation was perceived to be an important agroforestry practice with social use value (SUV) of 52.21. A total of 136 landraces of traditional crops belonging to 36 species were recorded. Two scented rice landraces (kethselha and rüluoo) and one sticky landrace (nhalenya) were reported. High overall Simpson’s Diversity Index value of 0.72 revealed high level of crop species diversity in nhalie agroforestry of Angami Nagas. Rice was the most common crop with the highest genetic diversity (22 landraces) followed by pumpkin, squash, taro, cucumber and maize. Nhalie agroforestry could serve as the major reservoir of traditional crop species and contribute to the conservation of these valuable traditional crop species on-farm. Further, the existing agrobiodiversity managed with the traditional wisdom of Angami Nagas in nhalie agroforestry systems is required to be preserved and disseminated for sustainable use of bioresources.