Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
3.5 Conclusions
This study gives rise to several conclusions. Firstly, economic incentives play a
major role in tree adoption and several tendencies cause tree product prices to
increase (with indications of increases in demand for both timber and fruits and
decreases in supply of naturally-grown open-access timber). Although farmers now
experience difficulties accessing markets for tree products, over time market chains
for on-farm produced tree products will develop spontaneously if current economic
incentives persist. As these channels develop, more efficient marketing may con-
tribute to higher prices as well as larger markets for tree products. However, in the
research area current markets for seasonal crops are much better developed,
decreasing marketing risks for peasants. The adoption of trees in farming systems
may be increased when clear marketing channels for tree products exist that are
accessible for all. This will decrease insecurity and risk related to marketing of
output tree products. Policy interventions could aim to speed up this process of
market development for tree products.
Secondly, government and non-government extension on agroforestry and tree
integration have positively affected tree growing on farms. However, what specific
activities (seedling dispersals, environmental education, technological knowledge-
sharing, awareness-raising of timber and fruit trees as cash-crop) were most effec-
tive remains unclear. Research addressing the question of what specific extension
activities have the greatest impact on tree adoption would be highly interesting
because financial resources for agroforestry extension are often limited in develop-
ing countries. Higher efficiency in targeting extension activities might imply that a
wider geographical scope can be achieved, exposing more areas to the potential
benefits of agroforestry.
Thirdly, significant constraints hinder farmers' adoption of trees in their farms.
These constraints should be addressed in a practical manner, sparking research for
tree-based technologies to overcome them. In the specific case of the Philippines,
typhoons, seasonal droughts, astray animals and wildfire are mentioned as strong
constraints to economically successful tree integration. Additionally, many of
the constraints are related to local behavior (free-roaming animals as well as fires
that are often of anthropogenic origin). These could be addressed as part of extension
strategies. At the local level, various measures can be taken to control these con-
straints, for example by fining owners of astray animals and devising village-level
regulations on fire-damage outside farm fields burned to remove crop residues and
weeds.
Fourthly, households differ greatly in their specific needs. From this study it has
become evident that households with larger farm areas and 'older' heads more often
integrate trees in their farm fields. Although it has been known that rural house-
holds are not homogenous in their adoption behavior, in reality extension activities
often treat them as if they are. A more diversified extension offering multiple tech-
nologies for different groups will be more appropriate and give additional advan-
tages for diversified rural economies. Similarly, farmers are more willing to
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