Smallholder Tree Growing in South and Southeast Asia - Smallholder Tree Growing for Rural Development and Environmental Services - page 17

campus of the Isabela State University in Cabagan, Northeast Luzon. Both institu-
tions have been building up scientific knowledge on tree and forest resources, with
ICRAF conducting research at a wider scale (having offices and field sites through-
out the Philippines) and CVPED running an education and research programme at
a more local scale (with field sites centered around the office in Cabagan, Luzon).

1.8 Topic Overview

This topic is partly based on the outcome of an international seminar on tree grow-
ing in agricultural landscapes co-organized by CVPED-ICRAF and held in 2002 at
the Cabagan Campus of Isabela State University, Philippines, to realistically assess
and characterize the status of smallholder tree growing in countries like the
Philippines. The seminar further addressed various aspects of smallholder tree
growing some of which are integrated within the framework of this topic. Questions
were formulated such as to what extent have trees been integrated into smallholder
farming systems and what evidence do we have that such systems lead to sustaina-
bility and enhanced livelihoods? Where is the concept exceptionally promising, and
where can it be admitted as a failure? How can we ensure successful implementa-
tion of different tree-based farming technologies in terms of adoption, impact on
livelihoods and environmental impacts? In short, is smallholder tree growing a via-
ble strategy for sustainable development in rural areas?
The topic looks into various questions and aspects of smallholder tree growing
that are discussed below including smallholder tree growing and its role in sustain-
able rural development, its potential for marketing of wood products and contribu-
tion to environmental services, and its promotion through employment of various
instruments of sustainable management and conservation.

1.8.1 Smallholder Tree Growing for Sustainable

Rural Development

Agricultural development and intensification have presented countries throughout
South and Southeast Asia with substantial environmental problems over the past
decades. Farmers experience a decrease in soil fertility and are forced to apply
growing quantities of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in order to sus-
tain their cash crop yields, which in turn often result into mounting debts aggravat-
ing their poverty status. With increasing awareness of farmers' struggle to maintain
adequate yields and escape poverty, initiatives have been undertaken by research
institutions, universities, and non-governmental organizations to investigate and
promote sustainable land use technologies and livelihood systems. Smallholder tree
growing is considered as one of the most promising technologies. Yet, it is still
unclear whether tree growing has been practiced in such a way that all aspects