A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1979

Shifting cultivation is a significant issue in the third world countries. It seems to be the optimum exploitation of natural conditions specifically in the tropical and sub-tropical zones. This study monitors the existing pattern of shifting cultivation and determines the major factors that affect the shifting cultivation pattern in East Indonesia, especially in Ende Kabupaten (district). The chi-square test was employed, and it showed that the shifting cultivators are not innovative and the income under crop agricultural enterprises are not sufficient among shifting cultivator's' group. Therefor, additional income is commonly looked for by them. When the results of stepwise multiple linear regression were considered, social and economic factors entered as major determinants of the overall pattern of shifting cultivation in the study area. The physical and agricultural factors showed a little affect. All of findings have been discussed in detail in this report. and some recommendations as well as suggestions for further research have been given which hopefully will contribute to the Rural Development Planning in future.