The village ecosystem functions of the Nishis, Karbis, Kacharis and Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh in north-east India have been compared. Shifting cultivation is practised alone by the Nishis under different cycle lengths with maximum energy and economic efficiencies obtained under a 10-year cycle. The Karbis obtained maximum energy and monetary outputs per ha from valley cultivation because of more intensive cultivation than that practised by the Nishis. The energy and monetary outputs of mustard cultivation on flatlands and kitchen gardens were lowest among the agro-ecosystems. From an eco-energetic perspective, the cattle and mithun of the Nishis are more efficient than the swine and poultry of other tribes. The forest is closely linked with agriculture and animal husbandry and provides fodder, fuelwood, food for humans, and timber. The efficiency of the village ecosystem as a whole was best for the Nishis, who obtained greater self-sufficiency through recycling of resources.