Evaluation of agroforestry potential in sloping areas
Eight examples of agroforestry systems in sloping areas are described with two examples of economic analysis of agroforestry systems. The ICRAF diagnosis and design methodology is outlined, exemplified and compared with land evaluation procedures. Distinctive features in land evaluation for agroforestry are that surveys commence with a phase of diagnosis; that the performance of systems, and hence the land use requirements, cannot be precisely specified at present; and that as a consequence, the output from agroforestry surveys is frequently a research programme. The ICRAF/FAO project, Land Evaluation for Agro-forestry, is outlined. Classification of an agroforestry land utilization type as highly suitable for a given area is not related to environment alone but depends on existing land use systems and problems. The major benefit that agroforestry can bring to sloping areas lies in its capacity to combine soil conservation with productive functions. Agroforestry may often be the preferred form of land use in sloping lands which have problems of soil erosion, soil fertility decline and shortages of fuelwood or fodder. Sloping areas should be a priority environment for the application of research and development in agroforestry.
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Publication year
2023
