ABSTRACT
This chapter describes past interaction of human populations with habitats on mainland Yap and the dynamics of the agroecosystem that developed. Recent changes in this system on mainland Yap are, followed by a description of the nature and threats to agriculture in the Outer Islands. The vegetation of Yap reflects the impacts of climate and human activities. Palynological studies indicate that Yap was mostly forested prior to human occupation. With little more than a knife, digging bar and matches, Yap's main gardeners-its women-turned to swidden agriculture as the most human-energy-efficient means of producing food for growing families. While cultivation of ditched beds on hills in savannahs is largely abandoned today, elders remember their use for growing bananas in the savannah hills. Food security is a growing issue and the conservation of biodiversity necessary to provide the ecosystem services needed to maintain food security is an even greater challenge.
