The hill tribe people of Thailand have traditionally practised a slash-and-burn type of agriculture in the highlands. Recent population and political pressures have reduced the areas available for each farming family and reduced the length of fallow periods, resulting in declining yields and increases in soil erosion. The Hilltribe Welfare Division's (HTWD) role in highland development is described. The HTWD has provided a model for the participatory and ecologically sustainable development of the highlands. With this, a community-based village development process has been adopted which addresses the core problems of the villagers with regard to food and cash generation, but within a conservation context.
