What type of agriculture is practiced by the Fore people, characterized by slash and burn techniques?

The correct answer, swidden agriculture, refers to a method of farming that involves clearing forested land by cutting down and burning vegetation. This technique is often practiced in tropical regions and is crucial for communities like the Fore people, who rely on the nutrient-rich ash from the burned plants to fertilize the soil for their crops. Swidden agriculture is characterized by its sustainability, as the land is typically allowed to rest and regenerate after a few years of cultivation, thus maintaining the ecosystem balance.

The emphasis in this agricultural practice is on small-scale subsistence farming where the community grows a variety of crops to meet their dietary needs rather than for commercial purposes. The cyclical nature of swidden agriculture allows for the maintenance of soil fertility over time, making it a practical method for communities in dense forest regions.

While intensive agriculture refers to farming practices that require significant investment in labor and technology for higher yields, the Fore people's approach is more traditional and communal in nature. Commercial agriculture, on the other hand, focuses on producing crops for sale rather than subsistence. Horticulture involves the cultivation of gardens and smaller agricultural plots but does not specifically denote the slash and burn practices characteristic of swidden agriculture.