Seed production for Madagascan afforestation

摘要

In view of the paucity of the forest cover, its continuing regression, the increase in the demand for timber and the fragility of Madagascan soils, forest plantations are of capital importance in the development of the island. Plantations of eucalyptus and pine, which adapt remarkably well to different bioclirnatic conditions, should be able to meet production requirements while protecting the environment. Today, the trend is to adopt an approach based on afforestation implemented by local farmers.FOFIFA, supported by CIRAD-Foret, has adopted new research objectives in this context. Forest services have promoted development in this sector by setting up the national Silo for forest seeds (SNGF) whose primary role is to distribute good quality seed. Forest research over the last twenty years has increased to 180 ha the surface area devoted to national seed production. This network supplies the national market with non-native species through SNGF which then directly distributes the seed produced bythe research efforts. In parallel, the Madagascan government has enhanced the impact of this seed production by standardizing harvesting-and seed marketing. Forestry, agricultural and environmental policies have been redefined. These new policies are intended to improve soil protection and increase the surface area for afforestation. However, the seed production system still requires firm establishment and improvement along with more widespread use of the system through combined efforts by research, SNGF and users.