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1.
Agroforestry Tree Seed Production and Supply Systems in Malawi 总被引：1，自引：1，他引：0
Betserai I. Nyoka Simon A. Mng��omba Festus K. Akinnifesi Oluyede C. Ajayi Gudeta Sileshi Ramni Jamnadass 《Small-Scale Forestry》2011,10(4):419-434
A sustainable agroforestry tree germplasm supply system is vital to resource-constrained smallholder farmers who depend on
agroforestry to improve the productivity of their farm enterprises. Successful adoption of agroforestry hinges on the development
of a sustainable agroforestry tree germplasm supply system. This paper reviews the agroforestry tree seed supply system in
Malawi, with a view to determining its sustainability and quality. Currently, more than 90% of the documented agroforestry
tree seed distributed to farmers is produced by smallholder farmers collected mainly from scattered farmland trees, the remainder
being produced from seed orchards and seed stands owned or controlled by research organizations. Three organizations—namely
the Land Resources Centre (LRC), National Tree Seed Centre (NTSC) of the Forestry Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM) and
the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)—were identified as major procurers of agroforestry tree seed produced by smallholder
farmers. Agroforestry germplasm is distributed to farmers by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government agricultural
and forestry extension departments. The procurement and distribution of germplasm to farmers is in general effective. The
major challenge to sustainability of agroforestry tree germplasm distribution in Malawi is dependence on donor funding. The
agroforestry tree seed system is, to some extent, sustainable with regards to production, although the genetic quality of
the germplasm is low. Germplasm storage facilities at national level are available and possibly adequate, but knowledge and
information on effective low-cost tree germplasm storage systems at household level are limited. Sustainability could be enhanced
by strengthening of grass-root organizations involved in tree seed production to institutionalize the distribution through
farmer–farmer exchange. There is also a need to support the development, promotion and adoption of low-cost tree germplasm
storage facilities by smallholder farmers. 相似文献
2.
Gil Gram Philippe Vaast Just van der Wolf Laurence Jassogne 《Agroforestry Systems》2018,92(6):1625-1638
Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) is economically important for many smallholder farmers in the Mount Elgon region of East Uganda, but its production is increasingly threatened by climate change. However, ecosystem services (ES) provided by companion trees in coffee agroforestry systems (AFS) can help farmers adapt to climate change. The objectives of this research were to develop agroforestry species recommendations and tailor these to the farmers’ needs and local context, taking into consideration gender. Local knowledge of agroforestry species and ES preferences was collected through farmer interviews and rankings. Using the Bradley-Terry approach, analysis was done along an altitudinal gradient in order to study different climate change scenarios for coffee suitability. Farmers had different needs in terms of ES and tree species at different altitudes, e.g. at low altitude they need a relatively larger set of ES to sustain their coffee production and livelihood. Local knowledge is found to be gender blind as no differences were observed in the rankings of species and ES by men and women. Ranking species by ES and ranking ES by preference is a useful method to help scientists and extension agents to use local knowledge for the development of recommendations on companion trees in AFS for smallholder farmers. 相似文献
3.
The process of iterative diagnosis and design with the active participation of farmers and extension agents was found effective
in identifying appropriate agroforestry systems for farmers in the Bugesera and Gisaka-Migongo (BGM) regions of Rwanda. Periodic
re-evaluation of research assumptions and technology designs was based on feedback from farmers and extentionists through
regular visits to station trials, early initiation of on-farm testing, and interaction with farmer cooperators through informal
discussions and formal surveys focused on specific agroforestry technologies. Statistical analysis is valuable for comparison
between regions or periods. However, valid conclusions can be drawn without statistics, by employing several farmer-participatory
approaches and pooling and properly interpreting the data obtained from them.
Farmers' preferred uses of tree biomass in the BGM regions and appropriate agroforestry systems are discussed. If researchers
and development agents do not consider the farmers' real needs, circumstances, available resources and management capacity
with regard to tree planting, they will fail in identifying and extending suitable agroforestry systems for any region.
This study was a part of the ISAR/IITA/World Bank FSR Project, implemented in the BGM regions of Rwanda during 1983–1988. 相似文献
4.
The foresters' perspectives of agroforestry is an important aspect that can influence strategies concerned with agroforestry uptake by the farmers. Keeping this in view the empirical studies of foresters' perspective of agroforestry have gained considerable importance. Present study, therefore, investigates foresters' perspectives on different aspects related to agroforestry. This study was conducted in Mandi district located in Indian Western Himalayan province of Himachal Pradesh. Not only the traditional forest management but also agroforestry training of foresters has remained oriented towards learning silvi-technical (plantation management and nursery management) rather than extension (social) and agricultural aspects. Consequently, there was a felt need amongst foresters for training in extension and agricultural aspects for effective implementation of agroforestry programmes. This provides a window of opportunity for re-orienting their training curriculum towards learning extension (social) and agricultural besides the silvi-technical skills. For effective implementation of agroforestry programmes the manpower requirement, particularly that of extension specialist and well trained agroforesters, of the department needs to be estimated and strategy should be devised to minimise political interference. The study emphasises a need for interaction between foresters and farmers, mechanism for better co-ordination with other departments and absolving agroforesters of their policing role for effective planning and implementation of agroforestry programmes. There were significant variations in the opinion of forestry staff about the effectiveness of various strategies to meet farmers tree-based needs, increase tree cover in the state and expected plantation survival rate. There were significant variations in the opinion of foresters about the different factors discouraging private tree growing but ‘restriction on felling green trees growing on private land and selling them in the market’ was viewed as the most important factor. “Provision of incentives to the villagers for tree growing on private land” was the major factor from the foresters' perspective that will encourage tree growing on private land. As there was a lack of congruence of foresters' perception on majority of issues pertaining to agroforestry, a need to incorporate the uniform understanding of issues pertaining to agroforestry amongst the foresters was emphasised. This study also identifies a need to investigate the perspectives staff of agriculture, horticulture departments for better planning and execution of agroforestry programmes, and their uptake by the farmers. 相似文献
5.
J. B. L. Lillesø L. Graudal S. Moestrup E. D. Kjær R. Kindt A. Mbora I. Dawson J. Muriuki A. Ræbild R. Jamnadass 《Agroforestry Systems》2011,83(3):347-359
Institutional innovation in providing inputs and services is a central element for smallholder development. Agroforestry is
an important income generating activity for millions of smallholders in the tropics, yet access to quality planting material—germplasm—of
valuable tree species remains a major hurdle for improving farm productivity. We discuss requirements and possibilities for
institutional innovation in developing more efficient delivery systems for tree germplasm as one aspect of improved input
supply. We describe a simple model for delivery to farmers that identifies the major types of germplasm sources and discuss
how this model can be used to identify relevant interventions to address bottlenecks in current systems. Our analysis leads
to eight input supply configurations for smallholder agroforestry, typified by three major models. Lessons from the evolution
of smallholder crop seed delivery systems can be applied to tree germplasm supply and indicate that a commercial, decentralised
model holds most promise for sustainability. However, current emphasis in agroforestry on government and NGO models of delivery
hinder the development of this approach. The application of prevailing classification approaches may also create a barrier
to the development of appropriate supply systems that effectively service smallholders. An important implication of our analysis
is that current actors in agroforestry input supply systems must redefine their roles in order for effective delivery to take
place. We chose a case study from Kenya to illustrate our points. 相似文献
6.
Worldwide, fruit-tree-based agroforestry systems have been only modestly studied, although they are common on smallholder
farms. Such systems based on apple (Malus spp.), peach (Prunus spp.), and pear (Pyrus spp.) are common in northwest Guatemala as low intensity homegardens and are known to increase total farm productivity in
communities where farm size is a limiting factor. This study investigated the potential for adoption of fruit-tree-based agroforestry
by resource-limited farmers using ethnographic investigation and linear programming simulations of farm activities at the
household level. Two communities with differing demographics, infrastructure, and access to regional markets were selected
based on the presence of extensive fruit-tree-based agroforestry. The influences of family size, land holdings, and tree and
crop yields on the optimal adoption levels of fruit trees were evaluated through a comparative study of the varying social
and physical infrastructure present in the two communities. Fruit-tree-based agroforestry was potentially more attractive
to relatively prosperous families or those with larger land holdings. Improvements in fruit-tree productivity and interspecies
competition were of greater importance where family land holdings were smaller. The inability of families to produce sufficient
food to meet annual needs, poor fruit quality, and lack of market infrastructure were identified as constraints that limit
adoption. The complementarity of production with the dominant maize (Zea mays) crop, home consumption of fruit, and the potential to generate additional cash on limited land holdings were identified
as factors promoting adoption of fruit-tree-based agroforestry. 相似文献
7.
《Journal of Sustainable Forestry》2013,32(1-2):115-123
Abstract Agricultural expansion by smallholder producers has been identified by management agencies as one of the main threats to the ecological integrity of La Amistad Biosphere Reserve, in Panama and Costa Rica. Promotion of cacao agroforestry has been proposed as a way to reduce the need for farmers to clear new land within the reserve. In order to realize this goal, the larger cultural, economic, and political forces that motivate agricultural expansion need to be examined, looking beyond the smallholder practices that are the immediately apparent causes of ecological degradation. The four main assumptions behind the proposal to promote smallholder cacao production in the buffer zone are explored: (1) cacao agroforestry is an ecologically benign agricultural system; (2) if cacao production were more financially viable, ecologically degrading activities, such as cattle grazing, would decrease; (3) migrants from other areas are primarily responsible for clearing land on the eastern side of the park; and (4) direct intervention at the smallholder level is the most effective means of preventing agricultural expansion. Our analysis demonstrates that while cacao agroforestry is an ecologically appropriate production system for the buffer zone of the park, price and production stabilization is important for assuring adoption by smallholders. We also suggest that both indigenous and migrant groups are responsible clearing forest for agriculture and that a more useful distinction for managers to make is between clearing enacted as part of sustainable vs. unsustainable management regimes. Finally, we recommend that the impact to the biosphere reserve caused by large-scale cattle and banana production not be overlooked. 相似文献
8.
Smallholder tree plantation, now on the increase in Indonesia, has long been practiced by rural farmers as a strategy to optimize the expected utility of land, labor and other constraints. Increasing demand for timber has driven a shift toward commercialization of smallholder forestry. However, smallholders face huge challenges when they seek for commercial markets in the form of complex regulatory frameworks applied to smallholder plantations. This paper discusses the case of smallholder plantations in Gunungkidul District (Indonesia), considered one of the most commercialized timber marketing hubs for local, national and international markets. It analyzes how opportunities and challenges, resulted from different regulatory frameworks, affect the competitiveness of smallholder forestry practices. In this paper, regulatory frameworks are defined as not only regulations issued by public administrators at the domestic (local and national) level, but also cover the emerging market-based regulatory frameworks, i.e. voluntary certification of sustainable forestry and mandatory timber legality verification. 相似文献
9.
Muhammad Khan Hafiz Zahid Mahmood Ghulam Abbas Christos A. Damalas 《Small-Scale Forestry》2017,16(4):553-569
Agroforestry offers unique opportunities for increasing biodiversity, preventing land degradation, and alleviating poverty, particularly in developing countries, but factors explaining the adoption by farmers are not well understood. A survey of 524 farm households was conducted in Bhakkar district of Punjab, Pakistan to study factors that determine the adoption of agroforestry on the sand dunes in the resource-deficient region of Thal. Two types of agroforestry systems were studied: intercropping and border cropping (also known as boundary or perimeter planting). Both agroforestry systems included irrigated cultivation of the timber trees Eucalyptus camaldulensis (local name: sufeda) and Tamarix aphylla (local name: sars) with wheat, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) (local name: chana) or cluster beans (Cyamous tetragocalobe) (local name: guars). The majority of the farmers was in favour of intercropping and border cropping. Most farmers reported the protection of nearby crops from dust storms as the most important positive perception about both agroforestry systems. Age, education, and farm to market distance were significant determinants of agroforestry adoption. Older and less-educated farmers, with farms closer to markets were less likely to adopt tree planting or border cropping in Thal. In general, the agroforestry systems examined were more likely to be adopted by farmers who can wait 3–4 years for harvesting crop outputs, but not by poorer farmers who are totally dependent on subsistence agriculture and cannot afford the high initial cost of agroforestry establishment, nor can they wait for crop output for extended periods. Furthermore, the adoption of both agroforestry systems was more likely in remote marginal areas than in areas close to markets. To increase agroforestry adoption rates, government policies should strengthen farmers’ knowledge of every stage of agroforestry through extension services, focusing particularly among the prime prospects, i.e. farmers who will be most likely to adopt agroforestry. Once the prime prospects have adopted it, the older, less-educated, and poor farmers of the rural population can be also focused on to motivate adoption. 相似文献
10.
Scattered trees and woodlots are a prominent feature of agricultural landscapes of Rwanda. However, little is known about their characteristics and their contribution to farmers’ wood needs. Here, we present the results of a survey of (a) the abundance, composition, and size of trees and woodlots in the low, medium and high altitude regions of Rwanda, (b) total woody biomass and biomass for fuelwood at farm and landscape levels, and (c) opportunities for their sustainable use. Scattered trees occurred in all landscapes at minimum densities ranging from 20 to 167 trees ha?1. Of the 56 tree genera recorded, a handful of tree species dominated, with the ten most common species accounting for over 70 % of all trees recorded. Most of them provided fuelwood, fruit and timber to farm owners. Woodlots occurred on about 40 % of the survey farms and consisted for 90 % of eucalyptus coppice. Woody biomass dry weight of scattered trees on agricultural landscape was 0.7 t ha?1 in low altitude region (LAR), 3 t ha?1 in medium altitude region (MAR), and 1 t ha?1 in high altitude region (HAR). Dry weight woody biomass in woodlots (<0.5 ha) was the highest in MAR (221 t ha?1), followed by that in HAR (205 t ha?1) and least in LAR (96 t ha?1). About 80 % of total woody biomass in trees and woodlots on farmland was useable biomass for fuelwood, indicating that the production of fuelwood on agricultural land was important. Woody biomass on agricultural land was higher than that in forest plantations, and was potentially sufficient to reduce the gap between fuelwood supply and demand when the entire agricultural area was taken into account. In order to achieve this on agricultural land, while contributing to food security and environmental conservation as well, smallholder farmers must be provided with incentives to grow woodlots and to adopt agroforestry systems, thereby considering the trade-offs with agricultural production. Strategies to encourage smallholder farmers to increase the use of agroforestry have to account for the farmers’ ecological and socioeconomic conditions. 相似文献
11.
《Journal of Sustainable Forestry》2013,32(2):63-85
Abstract Soil erosion poses economic and environmental concerns in many tropical uplands. Agroforestry has been proposed as a sustainable land use that can mitigate soil erosion and promote the economic welfare of small farmers. To evaluate such claims, we must (a) develop a composite measure of effectiveness, such as a soil conservation index, and (b) define it in terms understood by the farmers who ultimately choose to adopt and implement agroforestry. We construct an empirical soil conservation index as a weighted average of farmer perceptions of four soil attributes and develop a statistical model of soil conservation benefits of agroforestry by using survey data from the Philippines. Accounting for self-selection bias, we evaluate the soil conservation benefits by testing the correlation between the index and the level of agroforestry adoption. Our estimated model shows that agroforestry can generate 15-20 percent soil conservation for the typical small farmer. We offer several methodological, practical, and policy insights. Because many farmers in developing countries face informational and capital constraints, our study suggests that public policies should support smallholder agroforestry, a type of “natural investment” in soil capital, to generate private and public benefits. 相似文献
12.
Research agencies generate a vast number of agroforestry innovations, many of which have significant potential to increase productivity and to improve livelihoods. However, the dissemination of information related to these innovations and their adoption rate remains low throughout Indonesia, particularly in areas with a low level of infrastructure development, such as in Sulawesi, Indonesia. In areas such as these, interpersonal communication between farmers (farmer-to-farmer interpersonal communication) is a significant means by which farmers obtain information related to agroforestry innovations that they may utilize to improve the productivity of their plots. Given the significance of this channel of communication, further investigation is merited to assess how it might be leveraged to improve the dissemination of information related to agroforestry innovations and how it can complement the use of other communication channels. Thus, this study was conducted to identify how farmer-to-farmer interpersonal communication is used and the extent to which it is a preferred means by which information related to agroforestry innovations is disseminated in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews involving 144 farmers (40 % female) from 12 villages in the provinces of South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Results show distinct differences in terms of farmers’ preferences for the various types of disseminators of information related to agroforestry innovations between provinces and genders. It was found that farmers play a significant role as reliable disseminators of information related to agroforestry innovations to a greater extent in areas where farmer’s access to government extension agents is limited and where language barriers act as a constraint to the dissemination of information by these agents. Farmer-to-farmer communication is not the only communication channel for the dissemination of the information, but it is preferred by farmers who only speak local languages. Thus, to enhance the dissemination rate of agroforestry innovations, farmer-to-farmer communication channels should be utilized to complement the use of other channels. In areas where farmer-to-farmer communication channels are preferred, deliberate measures to improve expert farmers’ and opinion leaders’ access to information related to agricultural and agroforestry innovations will facilitate the effective dissemination of this information amongst a greater number of farmers. 相似文献
13.
Joel Buyinza Ian K. Nuberg Catherine W. Muthuri Matthew D. Denton 《Journal of Sustainable Forestry》2020,39(8):854-865
ABSTRACT The biophysical characteristics of the farm and farmers’ socioeconomic factors have been used to explain adoption of technologies in Africa. However, agricultural technology adoption requires that we also understand the psychological factors that can encourage or discourage farmer adoption of technologies. The aim of this article is to assess the psychological drivers of farmers’ intentions to adopt agroforestry technologies on their farms. We obtained data from 400 smallholder farmers in the Mt. Elgon region of Uganda. The Theory of Planned Behavior was used as the main framework. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling to assess the impact of a set of psychological factors on farmers’ intention to integrate trees in coffee. The intention of farmers to integrate trees in coffee plantations was mainly driven by their evaluation of the benefits of shaded coffee (attitude) followed by beliefs about their own capability (perceived behavioral control). However, social pressure (subjective norm) was insignificant, implying that smallholder farmers tend to deny the influence of other people’s behavior on their actions. Therefore, farmers’ positive evaluation of shading coffee and the perceived capability to overcome tree planting barriers reinforced their intention to integrate trees in coffee. This renders attitude and perceived behavioral control as reliable predictors of farmer tree planting behavior, especially in the context of developing countries. 相似文献
14.
Reforestation, particularly in the tropics, is of crucial importance for the environment as well as society. However, small planting areas and low participation of smallholder farmers in tree planting programmes often obstruct realisation of set planting area targets. In this regard, we interviewed smallholder farmers undertaking indigenous species reforestation in Oda Kotoamso community within the Wassa Amenfi West District in Western Region of Ghana with a pre-tested questionnaire to identify (1) key socio-economic factors that predict the size of plantations they establish, (2) options that could encourage tree planting among smallholder farmers, and (3) tree species planted by the smallholder farmers and their conservation status according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Key socio-economic factors were predicted with multiple regression models and ANOVA. Options were ranked on a five-point Likert scale and their differences were tested with the Mann–Whitney U test. Age and income of smallholders are the significant predictors of plantation sizes but farmers’ household size and gender were not significant. Age and income accounted for 77.1% and 22.9%, respectively, of the total variation described by our model (R?2 = 38.4%). In order of importance, incentives (mean = 4.35, SD = 0.48), public nurseries (mean = 4.2, SD = 0.82) and agroforestry (mean = 4.06, SD = 0.56) were the options that could encourage reforestation, though incentives and public nurseries were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Almost half (9 of 19) of the tree species planted are categorised as Vulnerable species, which highlights the contribution of smallholder farmers to recovery of threatened tree species. Our findings suggest that sustainable provision of planting materials in incentivised and youth-based tree planting programmes could increase planting hectarage and conserve threatened tree species. 相似文献
15.
In this study, Porter’s framework is used to analyse the forces that coordinate and control the market for agroforestry tree seedlings in the Nyando basin in Western Kenya where smallholder farmers were assisted by non-governmental and research organisations to start tree seedling nurseries, with a view to fostering adoption of agroforestry in the region. In addition, financial viability of the enterprise is assessed and the resources and interventions required to improve the operators’ competitiveness and make the enterprise sustainable are identified. Primary data collected from eight nursery operators and sixty agroforestry farmers are used and supplemented with secondary information obtained from relevant literature to gain an insight into the tree seedling industry within and outside the region. The results indicate that the tree seedling industry is highly competitive and is characterised by several small-scale operators who employ similar strategies and produce and sell nearly homogenous products. Consequently, competition is based on price rather than on strategies that require capital investments such as branding, product differentiation and product promotion. The enterprise is financially viable but the gross margins, particularly those of timber tree seedlings, are sensitive to low seedling prices suggesting that competitors are exerting pressure on prices and profitability. Thus, to gain an edge over the competitors, the small-scale operators need to build competitive advantage by adopting strategies that allow them to charge higher prices for their products, maintain customer brand loyalty and understand the coordination, control and relationships within the industry. 相似文献
16.
Jean Damascene Ndayambaje Wim J. M. Heijman Godefridus M. J. Mohren 《Agroforestry Systems》2013,87(4):797-814
The development of farm woodlots as an alternative source of livelihood for smallholder farmers in diverse biophysical and socio-economic conditions is a challenging issue in developing countries, such as Rwanda, where the majority of the population relies on subsistence farming. There is a need to understand why and when farmers decide to grow trees and woodlots on their farms. The objective of this study was to analyse the determinants and the purposes that enhance the propensity to grow woodlots in low, medium and high altitude regions of Rwanda. Necessary information for this study came from a survey of 480 households across these regions. The results showed regional variations in the determinants of woodlot farming, demonstrating the importance of not extrapolating the results between regions. Pooled data across regions indicated that age of the householder, number of salaried household members, farm size, travel distance to fuelwood sources and household location in medium forest cover region had positive significant effects on the propensity to grow farm woodlots. In contrast, household location in low forest cover region, ownership of livestock and monthly frequency of purchasing fuelwood were inversely related to the presence of farm woodlots. Many households planted eucalyptus woodlots for economic reasons, not for environmental purposes. Livestock and crop production were more attractive to rural households than woodlot farming. The findings of the study can be used by policymakers and extension services in order to promote sustainable land use practices by focusing on the challenges of competing land uses, farm size, unemployment, dependence on forests for fuelwood supply and subsistence farming. 相似文献
17.
Agroforestry adoption and maintenance: self-efficacy, attitudes and socio-economic factors 总被引：1，自引：1，他引：0
Agroforestry is a key land use in the development of ecological corridors in tropical rainforests biomes. This research tested
the social dimensions of agroforestry adoption and maintenance in the Atlantic rainforest of Southern Bahia, Brazil. A quasi-experiment
research design compared a group of farmers who participated in an agroforestry development program with a group of similar
farmers who were not participants in the program. The effects of the program on the participants’ self-efficacy, attitudes
and intentions to adopt or maintain agroforestry were tested. The effects of socio-economic factors and attitudes were also
compared to self-efficacy in terms of farmers’ intentions to adopt or maintain agroforestry. Results indicate that the program
neither raised nor lowered the farmers’ attitudes, self-efficacy or intentions to adopt or maintain agroforestry. However,
multiple regression and logistic model analyses indicate that perceived behavioral control, attitudes about conservation and
available labor contributed most significantly to farmers’ intentions to adopt or maintain agroforestry. Overall, perceived
behavioral control proved to have the most significant correlation with farmers’ intentions to adopt or maintain agroforestry.
Therefore, agroforestry development programs could benefit from focusing on farmers’ perceived control of certain behaviors
to enhance the persistence of agroforestry practices. 相似文献
18.
19.
Fluctuating Fortunes of a Collective Enterprise: The Case of the Agroforestry Tree Seeds Association of Lantapan (ATSAL) in the Philippines 总被引：1，自引：1，他引：0
Delia Catacutan Manuel Bertomeu Lyndon Arbes Caroline Duque Novie Butra 《Small-Scale Forestry》2008,7(3-4):353-368
The Agroforestry Tree Seeds Association of Lantapan (ATSAL) in Bukidnon province of Mindanao, Philippines, was organized in 1998, facilitated by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). Farmers were trained on germplasm collection, processing and marketing of agroforestry tree seeds and seedlings. ATSAL has been marketing various tree seeds and seedlings with apparent success, and has provided training on seed collection and nursery management to farmers, government technicians, and workers from non-government organizations. This paper reports initial results of a continuing study to assess the effectiveness of ATSAL’s marketing strategy, including group dynamics, and the issues and challenges the group faces. It was found that during the first 2 years, ATSAL’s market share of highly demanded timber tree species grew rapidly, thus helping to disseminate widely these important species among farmers. ICRAF’s technical back-up was an advantage, increasing the Association’s market credibility. Subsequently, ATSAL extended its market to the central Philippines, but failed to meet the demand for seeds due to organizational limitations. Market competition exists, where a non-member was able to take a larger market share than was the group. Nonetheless, ATSAL has established its name as a viable community-based seed and seedling producer, maintaining a stronghold in local and regional markets. Collective action is important for smallholders to gain market access, but is unlikely to sustain sales. Facilitating smallholder collective action is essentially an arduous task, requiring the supporting agency to hold a firm grasp of market realities, to invest in the maintenance of collective action, to provide continuous technical back-up, and to ascertain the conditions that make collective action succeed. 相似文献
20.
Introduction of two systems of agroforestry to the farmers portfolio is evaluated for their changes in cropping pattern, input
use, income generation, farmers attitude towards risk and nutrient availability. Two different types of farmers are studied
under both irrigated and dryland farming systems. Farm survey data collected from south Indian villages have been used with
a mean-variance framework to identify the risk aversion levels of farmers. The results indicate that the risk-taking preferences
of farmers should be given consideration in evaluating the impact of agroforestry systems. Among the two agroforestry systems
analyzed, the one with drumstick is shown to increase the risk of crop production while the one with leucaena reduces the
risk and enables farmers to invest in more risky cash crops. The impact of agroforestry on crop allocation, input use and
income differs due to the differences in resource availability of farmers. The influence of agroforestry on nutrient availability
of the farm households also differs based on the components of agroforestry, orientation of farming and the nature of farming
systems. It is argued that design of agroforestry systems should consider differences in resource constraints in farming systems
and risk attitudes of farmers towards their allocation decisions and that such considerations would largely enhance the successful
adoption of agroforestry in developing countries. 相似文献