Authors: Rahman, S.A¹; Rahman, M.F²; Codilan, A.L³; Farhana, K.M⁴

Source: International Forestry Review, Volume 9, Number 1, June 2007 , pp. 536-547(12)

Publisher: Commonwealth Forestry Association

Abstract:

Shifting cultivation is claimed as the major cause of drastic deforestation in the uplands of Eastern Bangladesh. Agroforestry is considered as one of the very few options to protect the existing forest and, additionally, lift people out of the poverty trap. This paper indicates that agroforestry may not only be good for (agro)biodiversity and sustainability, but has a good economic rate of return. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used to analyse data. The financial analysis indicates that agroforestry systems give positive and much higher net present value (NPV) than shifting cultivation. In addition, it is more profitable and less risky than other agricultural options. Appropriate strategies leading to the right choice of species, optimal species combinations, solving land tenure problems, ensuring initial support and imparting training to farmers could promote agroforestry systems and enhance farm income.

Keywords: shifting cultivation; agroforestry; poverty; economic benefit; environment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1505/ifor.9.1.536

Affiliations: 1: Research fellow, Dept. of Sociology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh. 2: Professor, Dept. of Sociology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh. 3: Instructor II, Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna 4036, Philippines. 4: Research fellow, Institute of Bangladesh Studies, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh.

Publication date: 2007-06-01

More about this publication?

• The International Forestry Review is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes original research and review papers on all aspects of forest policy and science, with an emphasis on issues of transnational significance. It is published four times per year, in March, June, September and December. Theme editions are a regular feature and attract a wide audience.
  
  The IFR is part of The Global Forest Information Service - GFIS.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• Online guide to scientific writing
• Back issues and missing issues
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Forestry
• By this author: Rahman, S.A ;  Rahman, M.F ;  Codilan, A.L ;  Farhana, K.M

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers