Agroforestry for livelihood enhancement and enterprise development

摘要

Agroforestry is a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resources management system that, through the integration of trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains production for increased social, economic and environmental benefits for land users at all levels. By nurturing trees on their farms, pastures and homesteads farmers have been managing agroforestry systems for millennia. Most smallholder farmer agroforestry systems are diverse, multi-species and integrate trees with annual crops and/or animals. Traditionally, these systems are extensive in nature, with small quantities of many products produced for household consumption. Tree management tends to be non-intensive and largely limited to product harvesting. The advent of market economies and improved rural infrastructure has expanded commercial opportunities to many farm communities. However, traditional tree management often leaves communities ill-equipped to produce reliable quantities of high-quality products that meet market specifications. In addition, a lack of security of land tenure has, in many places, led to a corresponding lack of incentives for farmers to invest in long-term land management improvements. Experience also indicates that farmers lack access to professional technical assistance and have limited linkages to market channels and information. As a result, most farmers do not manage their trees because they are not sure where to focus and what can be sold. A system of technical assistance and innovation is needed to empower farmers to seize market opportunities by enhancing and diversifying the productivity and profitability of their agroforestry systems. This paper presents an integrated approach that emphasises market studies that appraise existing and future demand for products that are, or can be, produced by farmers; recommends farmer group extension to help farmers address market opportunities; and encourages farmer group evolution towards farmer enterprise development when appropriate. Examples of the impacts achieved through implementation of this approach and its components are provided.