Adoption potential of fruit-tree-based agroforestry on small farms in the subtropical highlands |
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| Authors: | J G Bellow R F Hudson P K R Nair |
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| Institution: | (1) Center for Ocean-Atmosphere Prediction Studies, Florida State University, 2035 E. Paul Dirac Drive, R.M. Johnson Bldg. – Rm. 227, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA;(2) Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA;(3) School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Keywords: | Farming systems Guatemala Homegardens Linear programming Livelihoods Mixed cropping Orchard Pyrus |
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