Participatory technology development in agroforestry: methods from a pilot project in Zimbabwe |
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Authors: | Jeanette Clarke |
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Institution: | (1) Forest Research Centre, Highlands, P.O. Box H. G. 595, Harare, Zimbabwe |
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Abstract: | An on-farm agroforestry pilot project was initiated by the Zimbabwe Forestry Commission in 1988. The main objective of the
project is to investigate a range of options to solve problems of woodland depletion faced by small-scale farmers. This paper
describes the first two years of on-farm experimentation. The first season's trials are described, and the rationale for moving
towards an approach of greater farmer participation in the research process is given. Steps taken to promote experimental
tree planting on farms are described, and methods used are illustrated by examples from the project. Critical awareness-raising
techniques, steamming from Freirian philosophy, have been central to the methods. The need for a partnership between formal
and informal farmer-based research is discussed, as is a model for agroforestry research and development. The latter is proposed
in a way that formal research develops the components of agroforestry practices, whilst farmers are encouraged to experiment
with a combination of these components in order to develop practices appropriate to local conditions. |
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Keywords: | agroforestry research participatory research on-farm research farmer workshops agroforestry extension farmer experimentation |
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