Tumbo: Ancestral Knowledge for Sustainable Agriculture

The tumbo, also known as a land register, is an ancient indigenous system of land management that has been used by various cultures around the world for centuries. It is a comprehensive record of land ownership, use, and boundaries that provides valuable insights into historical land use practices and can inform present-day sustainable agriculture efforts.

Origin and History of the Tumbo

The tumbo originated in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, where it was used by the Aztecs, Mayans, and other indigenous civilizations. The term "tumbo" is derived from the Nahuatl word "tumpan," meaning "map" or "register." The tumbo system was later adopted by the Spanish colonizers and spread throughout Latin America and beyond.

Elements of the Tumbo

The tumbo typically consists of several key elements:

• Land Ownership Records: The tumbo documents the ownership of land, including the names of the owners, the size of their holdings, and the boundaries of their properties.
• Land Use Records: The tumbo also records the specific uses of land, such as agriculture, forestry, or grazing. This information can be used to track changes in land use over time and identify areas that are most suitable for particular agricultural practices.
• Boundary Markers: The tumbo includes detailed descriptions of boundary markers, such as trees, rivers, or rock formations. These markers are used to demarcate the boundaries of landholdings and prevent disputes.

Importance of the Tumbo for Sustainable Agriculture

The tumbo plays a critical role in promoting sustainable agriculture by:

• Ensuring Land Tenure Security: The tumbo provides a legal framework for land ownership, protecting farmers from land grabs and other forms of dispossession. This tenure security encourages farmers to invest in sustainable land management practices, such as soil conservation and crop rotation.
• Preventing Land Degradation: By documenting land use history, the tumbo helps identify areas that are at risk of degradation, such as those with steep slopes or poor soil quality. This information can be used to develop targeted conservation measures and prevent land degradation.
• Promoting Agroforestry and Biodiversity: The tumbo often includes records of the location and diversity of trees and other vegetation on landholdings. This information can be used to promote agroforestry practices, which integrate trees into agricultural systems, and enhance biodiversity.

Case Studies and Examples

• The Tumbos of Oaxaca, Mexico: The tumbos of Oaxaca are some of the most well-preserved and comprehensive land registers in the Americas. They provide detailed records of land ownership and use dating back to the 16th century. The tumbos have been used to resolve land disputes, protect indigenous rights, and inform sustainable land management practices.
• The Tumbos of the Philippines: The Philippines has a long tradition of tumbo systems, dating back to the pre-colonial era. The tumbos were used to document land ownership, regulate land use, and prevent disputes. In recent years, the Philippine government has revived the use of tumbos to promote sustainable agriculture and land tenure security.
• The Tumbos of Ghana: In Ghana, the tumbo system is known as the "land book." The land books are kept by traditional authorities and contain records of land ownership and use, as well as traditional land use rules and regulations. The land books have played a vital role in resolving land disputes and ensuring equitable land distribution.

How to Create and Use a Tumbo

Creating and using a tumbo involves several steps:

1. Document Land Ownership: Record the names of land owners, the size of their holdings, and the boundaries of their properties.
2. Map Land Use: Identify and map the specific uses of land, such as agriculture, forestry, or grazing.
3. Establish Boundary Markers: Determine and mark the boundaries of landholdings using physical landmarks, such as trees, rivers, or rock formations.
4. Monitor Land Use: Regularly track changes in land use to identify areas that are at risk of degradation.
5. Enforce Land Use Regulations: Establish and enforce regulations that protect land from degradation and promote sustainable land management practices.

Stories and Lessons Learned

• The Story of the Maya Tumbos: The ancient Mayans developed sophisticated tumbo systems that were used to manage their vast agricultural lands. The tumbos recorded land ownership, land use, and water rights, and they played a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of the Mayan civilization.
• The Lesson of the Peruvian Tumbos: In Peru, the tumbo system was used to protect indigenous land rights and prevent land grabs by the Spanish colonizers. The tumbos provided evidence of indigenous land ownership and helped to preserve traditional land use practices.
• The Impact of the Philippine Tumbos: In the Philippines, the revival of the tumbo system has helped to resolve land disputes, protect small farmers from land grabbing, and promote sustainable agriculture. The tumbos have also been used to document traditional land use knowledge and practices, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Call to Action

The tumbo is a valuable tool for promoting sustainable agriculture and land stewardship. By embracing the principles of the tumbo, we can ensure equitable land distribution, prevent land degradation, and preserve traditional land use knowledge for future generations. Let us all work together to revitalize and strengthen tumbo systems around the world.

Tables

Table 1: Economic Benefits of the Tumbo

Table 2: Environmental Benefits of the Tumbo

Table 3: Social Benefits of the Tumbo