Socio-economic and environmental evaluation of three types of agroforestry systems in the Nicaraguan Dry Tropics

Abstract

In Nicaragua different organizations with external funding, and for many years, have promoted agroforestry systems. This study evaluates three types of agroforestry systems six years after being promoted by the socio-environmental and forestry development program (POSAF) phase 2006- 2007; socio-economic, environmental and technology contributions adopted the most are classified and identified. Sixty one production units located in the natural reserve Tisey-Estanzuela, upper part of the river basin of Estelí, dry tropics of Nicaragua were studied. The results show that statistically there is a grouping of three agroforestry systems, which coincides with the classification made from the planning of the program, but regardless of the system, similar agroforestry technologies were promoted and executed. The agricultural income per farm showed significant differences (p = 0.0119) in agroforestry systems (AFS), being the average monthly value lower (U $ 103.59 ± 30.83 dollars / month) than in silvopasture and forest management systems. Most cattle was statistically different (p = 0.012) in systems of natural management with regeneration of forest with more grass (MBRNP) than in the other two agroforestry systems. The most successful and adopted technologies were: hedges, planting of fruit trees, natural regeneration; management and conservation of forests. The main environmental contributions identified were: shadow, reduced soil erosion, moisture conservation and division of property. In conclusion, producers grouped in forest management in agroforestry systems with natural regeneration plus grass, had the highest socioeconomic contributions in agricultural income and with foremost cattle, but there is more efficiency in milk production / cow / day in silvopastoral systems. Economically, families with agroforestry systems are classified as subsistence and depend more on external incomes apart from the farm. The producers grouped in silvopastoral system had the highest levels of success and in the adoption of agroforestry technologies: hedges, areas with fruits, number of ditches, grazing areas and fodder banks.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/farem.v0i11.1601

Revista Científica de FAREM-Estelí No.11 2014: 13-26