How successful is tree growing for smallholders in the Amazon?
Growing trees outside forests can generate rural income and rehabilitate degraded lands. The characteristics of existing smallholder tree growing in the Amazon and how much it contributes to livelihoods, however, remains largely unknown. Field surveys in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador
were conducted of smallholder tree growing initiatives. Of the studied initiatives, 61 were smallholder initiated and 39 established in donor driven programs. Smallholder schemes generally showed a higher species diversity (85 species) than initiatives in donor driven schemes (52 species).
The performance of smallholder tree growing, in terms of growth, health, commercialisation options and contribution to recuperation of degraded areas is limited. Only in 30 of the cases reviewed could smallholders commercialize tree products. Cultivated non-timber forest products had the highest
commercialisation rates. The growing of single trees within farm holdings, and the management of natural stands and homegardens showed the highest production efficiencies while depending on minimal inputs. Timber plantations are the least successful. More successful reforestation in the Amazon
requires a more realistic view on the limitations of promoting smallholder tree growing, should emphasize non timber products, and better capture local knowledge and experiences.
Keywords: Agro-forestry; Amazon; Smallholders; forest plantations; local tree growing initiatives; single tree growing
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: 1: Institute of Silviculture, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Tennenbacherstrasse 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany. 2: Center for Integrated Area Studies, Kyoto University, 46 Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Japan 606-8501.
Publication date: 01 September 2009
- 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
International Forestry Review has an Impact Factor of 1.705 - Editorial Board
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