“The Impact of Colonists on Aboriginal Agriculture: A Tale of Grain and Grazing”

Colonists and the Impact on Aboriginal Agriculture

Published: September 20, 2023 12.58am BST

By Bill Gammage, Australian National University

Introduction

In 1788, when the First Fleet arrived in Australia, they brought cattle with them and released them on what is now known as Sydney’s Bennelong Point. However, the grass in the area was sparse and of poor quality, so the cattle roamed and eventually settled in the Cowpastures near Camden, transforming the land into a flourishing grazing ground. This marked the beginning of a significant upheaval in Aboriginal agriculture, as grazing animals trampled on the staple tubers, such as murnong, that local communities relied on. As colonists moved inland, they claimed Aboriginal land used for growing grain and replaced it with sheep or cattle. These actions have had lasting effects on the Australian landscape and First Nations peoples.

The Impact of Agriculture on the Land

One of the key differences between Aboriginal agriculture and that of the colonists was their understanding of fire. Aboriginal land managers used controlled burning to promote the growth of rich grass near water sources, creating ideal conditions for the cultivation of staple tubers. However, the colonists lacked this knowledge and as a result, the land became overgrown with trees and scrub. This enabled the colonization of the land by invasive species, significantly altering the ecosystem.

The Importance of Tubers

Tubers were a key staple in Aboriginal agriculture, as they were a reliable source of food in areas where it was wet enough to cultivate them. The yam daisy, known as murnong, and other tubers such as warran were cultivated and harvested by women who would dig over the fields, replanting tuber tops for the next harvest. This extensive cultivation of tubers significantly transformed the landscape, creating a ploughed appearance in areas where these crops were grown.

Growing Grain in Arid Lands

In regions where the climate was too dry for tubers, such as most of the arid interior of Australia, Aboriginal communities turned to growing grain, especially native millet. They selected areas near water, used controlled burning to prepare the ground, and employed various techniques to cultivate, harvest, and store the grain. However, with the arrival of colonists, these grainlands were taken over for grazing purposes, displacing the Aboriginal communities and leading to the decline or disappearance of many native grain crops.

Dispossession and Reversal

The colonization of Australia resulted in a reversal of land use patterns. Prior to colonization, Aboriginal communities farmed more of Australia than is currently the case. Today, extensive grainlands in arid regions are left for cattle or camels, while agriculture predominantly occurs in tuber country. This shift in land use has had significant ecological impacts, causing the decline and extinction of many native species while facilitating the expansion of others.

The Impact on Wildlife

The introduction of grazing animals and the disruption of Aboriginal land management practices led to the decline of ground-dwelling small and medium-sized mammals and birds. Several species became extinct or endangered, including the toolache wallaby, the lesser stick-nest rat, and the paradise parrot. The colonization of their habitats by new predators, such as cats and foxes, further contributed to their demise. Even iconic Australian species like the koala are now endangered.

The Devastation of Aboriginal Communities

In addition to the ecological impact, the dispossession of Aboriginal land and the disruption of their agricultural practices had profound social and cultural consequences. Indigenous peoples who had cared for the land and its wildlife for generations were devastated by the invasion and forced removal from their country. The loss of their land, knowledge, and traditions, including the stories, dances, and languages of their communities, has left a profound void in Australia’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The colonization of Australia had a profound impact on Aboriginal agriculture and the land. The displacement of Aboriginal communities, the disruption of their land management practices, and the subsequent changes in land use have had long-lasting ecological and cultural consequences. Recognizing and understanding this history is crucial for developing a more sustainable and inclusive approach to land management and agriculture in Australia today.