1. Agroforestry Systems and Podocarpus National Park, Ecuador: Current Status and Recommendations for Future Work.
- Author
-
Wilkinson, KimM.
- Subjects
- *
AGROFORESTRY , *RURAL land use , *AGRICULTURE , *FORESTS & forestry - Abstract
The goal of enhancing human well-being and dignity for the communities surrounding Podocarpus National Park (PNP) is inexorably connected to the goal of protecting ecosystem health and integrity in the southern Andes. While these goals are often viewed as conflicting, one area where they clearly overlap is in agroforestry practices. Agroforestry has the potential to improve food security and economic production while also enhancing forest cover, soil conservation, watershed protection, and habitat quality. A variety of traditional, indigenous, and modern agroforestry practices are available as a foundation for effective sustainability and conservation efforts around PNP. However, the trend of land-use extensification—with large areas dedicated to marginal production of beef and dairy cattle, as well as corn and coffee—continues to lead to new deforestation. Reversing the trend of extensification will require improved technical and resource capacity for agroforestry and reforestation in the region, which can be achieved by strengthening relationships between farmers, farmer organizations, educational and research institutions, and conservation interests. Specific recommendations address agricultural extension/outreach (partnership building), nursery practices, agroforestry species and strategies, and forest regeneration following land abandonment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF