Rethinking the agricultural use of fire and its influence on the occurrence of wildfire in high Andean communities of Cusco, Peru

Abstract

The use of fire in agriculture has been a fundamental practice since early human societies, playing a key role in land preparation, weed control, and soil fertility management. In the Peruvian Andes, fire remains widely employed by rural communities, despite strict legal prohibitions aimed at reducing wildfire occurrence. However, statistical evidence demonstrates that these punitive policies have failed to curb wildfires, which have instead increased in frequency. This study critically examines the agricultural use of fire in high Andean communities of Cusco, Peru, exploring its socio-cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions. Through ethnographic research and qualitative methodologies, the study identifies the motivations behind fire use, traditional fire-management practices, local and institutional perceptions, and community responses to wildfires. Findings reveal that fire is an indispensable agricultural tool, deeply embedded in rural livelihoods. The study also highlights the inadequacy of current fire management policies, which rely primarily on prohibition and emergency response without offering viable alternatives for smallholder farmers. To address this gap, the study proposes a paradigm shift in fire governance, advocating for a more inclusive and sustainable approach. Key recommendations include integrating prescribed burning, implementing incentive-based compensation schemes, and strengthening local governance structures. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity of qualitative research in informing quantitative analyses of wildfire occurrence, ensuring that policy interventions are grounded in local realities. Ultimately, rethinking the agricultural use of fire is not only an environmental concern but also a social and economic imperative for high Andean communities.