Agroforestry species of the Bolivian Andes: an integrated assessment of ecological, economic and socio-cultural plant values

Agroforestry is a promising method for enhancing land-use sustainability in the Bolivian Andes. However, its benefits in terms of rural development are under-recognized due to gaps in understanding users?? perceptions while taking into consideration both local and global environmental goals. Our study aimed to narrow these gaps by developing an analytical framework for analyzing the site-specific socio-ecological factors and interactions related to local woody species and assessing their ecological, economic, and socio-cultural plant values in order to identify the most promising agroforestry species. The framework was then tested in an indigenous community at 2,760?C3,830?m?a.s.l., incorporating vegetation surveys, environmental studies, and interviews on plant functions. Ecological, economic, and socio-cultural values and the ecological apparency of plants were calculated, and detrended correspondence and principal component analyses helped to reveal the socio-ecological context of significant factors for plant distribution and uses. Results showed dominating seral woody species along an altitudinal gradient. Although shrubs were more ecologically apparent than trees, trees were perceived to be more valuable as the usefulness and cultural importance of species increased with plant height and timber availability. Phytosociological factors played a minor but still significant role in perceived usefulness. Schinus molle and Prosopis laevigata (<3,200?m a.s.l.), Polylepis subtusalbida (>3,200?m a.s.l.), and Baccharis dracunculifolia (both zones) were evaluated as most promising for agroforestry use. In conclusion, our analytical framework proved to be a valuable tool for context-specific agroforestry plant selection. Nonetheless, economic, technical, and socio-cultural limitations of cultivating native agroforestry species were revealed as well. Agroforestry science and practice should, therefore, focus on enhancing reproductive potentials of existing woody vegetation, as well as problem-oriented horizontal dialogues between indigenous, expert, and scientific actors.     

Comparisons of Mayan forest management, restoration, and conservation

Numerous communities associated with at least five distinct ethnic Mayan groups in southern Mexico and Central America continue to rely upon forested areas as integral components of their agricultural systems. They carefully manage these areas so that forests provide food, raw materials, and animals. Management practices include removing and planting of woody and herbaceous species, apiculture, and seed harvest. Mayan agroforestry systems in geographically and ecologically distinct areas of Mesoamerica were evaluated to better understand traditional agroforestry system components and how indigenous Mayan agroforestry could be a part of regional forest conservation and restoration. Systems were within Mexican land grant areas (ejidos) or on contested land. Although these systems rely upon different woody species and management techniques, common among them are: (1) the use of multi-stage and successional pathways with forest as a part of the larger system, (2) species that are believed by traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to accelerate forest regeneration - more than 30 tree species are recognized and managed as potential facilitators of forest regeneration and (3) direct human consumption of forest products at all stages of regeneration.     

Shifting from simple to complex agroforestry systems: an example for buffer zone management from Kerinci (Sumatra,Indonesia)

Kerinci is a densely populated valley surrounded by a national park in western central Sumatra, Indonesia. Indigenous agroforestry systems include important cash crops like coffee (Coffea canephora var.robusta) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmani), and range from alternate cycles of cash crop monocultures or simple associations, to multispecies and multi-storey gardens; these may include as many as 100 common useful species, comprising many fruit trees and indigenous timber species.After analysing the trends of forest conversion and its causes in the area of Kerinci Seblat National Park, a case study of one particular village is presented in order to describe the evolution of cyclic agroforestry systems (ladang) into complex agroforestry systems (pelak). The composition, structure and management of the various systems have been studied through interviews, botanical surveys and the method of profile diagrams.It is suggested that locally developed complex agroforestry systems evolve partly in response to changes in land availability and labour constraints. Finally the interest of such systems when designing projected buffer zones and their development in relation to new market incentives are discussed.     

Indigenous market-oriented agroforestry: dissecting local diversity in western Amazonia

This paper reports on a study of local diversity and variation in indigenous agroforestry practices among Amazonian peasants in a traditional community near Iquitos, Peru. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with agroforestry-reliant households n = 36) on farming practices, demographic characteristics, income-expenditures and household wealth. Visits to crop fields and forest fallows n = 329) allowed the reconstruction of extensive cropping histories. More in-depth assessments of crop occurrence, density and diversity were conducted on 83 fields. Our results indicate considerable variation in field characteristics, agroforestry-cycles, and household agroforestry portfolios. Agroforestry practice is found to be strongly related to access to land within the community: households holding more land use both potentially more sustainable and more lucrative swidden-fallow agroforestry systems. Our results question the view of indigenous agroforestry systems as intrinsically ‘stable, equitable, and sustainable’, and underscore the importance of studying local variation in indigenous agroforestry practices. Promising avenues are discussed for future research on the factors related to the successful adoption of sustainable agroforestry systems. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Therapeutic use of plants by local communities in and around Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary: implications for protected area management in Bangladesh

Traditional systems of medicine have become a topic of global importance recently. Increased commercialization of economically important medicinal plants has resulted in overharvesting, threatening their survival. The present study was carried out to document the indigenous uses of medicinal plants by the local communities in and around Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh. Data collection was predominantly qualitative recording the species use, identifying their relative importance (RI) and assessing the informants’ consensus factor (F_ic) on associated knowledge. We interviewed 140 households of the local community and 5 local herbal practitioners. A total of 44 plant species were in use to treat 33 ailments under 10 broad disease categories. Five species were found to have high use versatility (RI > 1), Emblica officinale L. being the most versatile. Respiratory problems scored the highest F_ic value (0.56) involving the use of 30% of the species recorded. Terminalia bellerica Roxb., Sterculia villosa Roxb., Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. and Terminalia arjuna Bedd. were being harvested commercially. Use by the community, particularly for subsistence consumption, seemed to be sustainable, but commercial extraction of some species appeared unsustainable. Buffer zone-based commercial farming of medicinal plants with a commercial value could serve a dual purpose of assuring sustainable alternative income generation for local communities as well as conserving the natural resources in protected areas.     

Decomposition and nutrient release in leaves of Atlantic Rainforest tree species used in agroforestry systems

Aiming to support the use of native species from the Atlantic Rainforest in local agroforestry systems, we analysed chemical and biochemical components related to leaf decomposition of Inga subnuda, Senna macranthera, Erythrina verna, Luehea grandiflora, Zeyheria tuberculosa, Aegiphila sellowiana, and Persea americana. These tree species are native (except for P. americana) and commonly used in agroforestry systems in the Atlantic Rainforest. For the three first species (Fabaceae), we also analysed the remaining dry matter and released nutrients from leaves, using litter bags, and biological nitrogen fixation, using Bidens pilosa and Brachiaria plantaginea as references of non-N₂-fixing plants. Leaves from I. subnuda, L. grandiflora, and P. americana had a lower decomposition rate than the other species, exhibiting negative correlations with lignin/N and (lignin+polyphenol)/N ratios. The percentages of remaining dry matter after 1 year were 69 % (I. subnuda), 26 % (S. macranthera) and 16 % (E. verna). Higher nutrient release was found in decreasing order from residues of E. verna, S. macranthera, and I. subnuda. The percentages of nitrogen fixation were 22.6 % (E. verna), 20.6 % (I. subnuda) and 16.6 % (S. macranthera). Diversification of tree species in agroforestry systems allows for input of diversified organic material and can contribute to maintaining and improving soil functions resulting in improvements of soil quality.     

Indigenous Agroforestry Systems in Amazonia: From Prehistory to Today

Understanding the historical development of indigenous systems will provide valuable information for the design of ecologically desirable agroforestry production systems. Such studies have been relatively few, especially in Amazonia. The agroforestry systems in Amazonia follow a trail that begins with the arrival of the first hunter-gatherers in prehistoric times, followed by the domestication of plants for agriculture, the development of complex societies rich in material culture, the decimation of these societies by European diseases, warfare, and slavery, the introduction of exotic species, and finally, the present-day scenario of widespread deforestation, in which agroforestry is ascribed a potential role as an alternative land use. Despite the upheavals which occurred in colonial times, greatly reducing the population of native tribes, a review of anthropological and ethnobiological literature from recent decades indicates that a great variety of indigenous agroforestry practices still exist, ranging from deliberate planting of trees in homegardens and fields to the management of volunteer seedlings of both cultivated and wild species. These practices result in various configurations of agroforestry systems, such as homegardens, tree/crop combinations in fields, orchards of mixed fruit trees, and enriched fallows. Together they constitute a stock of knowledge developed over millenia, and represent technologies that evolved along with the domestication of native forest species and their incorporation into food production systems. This knowledge is the basis for the principal agroforestry practice employed by farmers in Amazonia today, the homegarden, and has potential to contribute to the development of other agroforestry systems.     

Potential of indigenous multistrata agroforests for maintaining native floristic diversity in the south-eastern Rift Valley escarpment, Ethiopia

Most studies undertaken in the field of agroforestry have focussed on system design, soil fertility management, and system interactions. Less emphasis has been placed on biodiversity aspects. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of indigenous, multistrata agroforests for maintaining native woody species diversity in the south-eastern Rift Valley escarpment, Ethiopia. A total of 60 farms, representing three agroforest types (enset-AF, enset-coffee-AF and fruit-coffee-AF), were randomly selected along altitudinal gradients. Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is a perennial, herbaceous monocarpic banana-like plant which serves as a food plant in Ethiopia. The three agroforests are results of the domestication of natural forests and intensification of the landuse systems centuries ago. Sample-based assessment protocols were employed to place sample quadrats and to measure all individuals in the quadrats. A total of 58 woody species, belonging to 49 genera and 30 families, was recorded. Of all woody species identified, 86% were native. The highest proportion of native woody species was recorded in enset-AF (92%), followed by enset-coffee-AF (89%) and fruit-coffee-AF (82%). Among native tree species, Millettia ferruginea and Cordia africana were the most widespread. In all, 22 native woody species were recorded as of interest for conservation, acccording to IUCN Red lists and local criteria. Among them, Pygeum africanum and Rhus glutinosa were categorised as vulnerable in the wild, and in need of conservation priority. The introduction of non-native fruit trees in agroforests can be a threat to maintenance of native woody species. Management strategies favoring enset and coffee will also put other native tree species at risk. A smaller number of native woody species was recorded in fruit-coffee-AF, but a higher mean basal area and stem number. The mean basal area and stem number ranged from 5.4?±?0.5 to 11.7?±?1.0?m^2?ha^?1 and 625?±?84 to 1,505?±?142 stems?ha^?1, respectively. Altitude explained 68 and 71% of the variation in species richness and abundance, respectively. Finally, it is concluded that recognition of the indigenous agroforestry system as an option for maintaining native woody species should be given more attention, to counteract the local threat of these species from the wild.     

Prioritizing Underutilized Tree Species for Domestication in Smallholder Systems of West Java

This paper provides an overview of a tree species prioritization study of underutilized tree species in a participatory tree domestication program for smallholders in Indonesia. The study was conducted in three villages of Nanggung sub-district, Bogor district via farmer surveys, focus group discussion, SWOT analysis and evaluation of markets and germplasm sources. Five priority species were identified: Manglietia glauca, Parkia speciosa, Durio zibethinus, Gmelina arborea and Sandoricum koetjape. These species are promising components of agroforestry systems to enhance smallholder livelihoods and can grow under the low management conditions common in smallholder systems. They represent indigenous and exotic tree types that produce timber, fruit or spices within the domestication continuum. Furthering the domestication and utilization of these species requires the identification and dissemination of available germplasm sources, the dissemination of high-quality germplasm and the development of farmer-friendly propagation and tree management practices. Also, as with most smallholder systems, the marketing practices for the products of these five species require improvement, starting with the production of reliable quantities of high quality tree products.     

Agroforestry systems and biodiversity conservation in arid zones: the case of the Tehuacán Valley,Central México

The role of agroforestry systems in biodiversity conservation was investigated in the semiarid Tehuacán Valley, Central México. Richness and diversity of native plant species were compared between agroforestry systems (6 sampling sites) and the following forests (6 sampling sites) dominated by columnar cacti: (i) “chichipera” dominated by Polaskia chichipe; (ii) “jiotillal” dominated by Escontria chiotilla; and (iii) “garambullal” dominated by Myrtillocactus schenckii. Our information on genetic variation of dominant arboreal species in the study sites was reviewed and included in the analysis. Factors influencing household’s decisions to maintain vegetation cover were compiled through a survey and interviews and analyzed. All the samples of the agroforestry systems studied maintained on average nearly 59% plant species and 94% genetic variation of dominant cacti occurring in the forests, although their ability to preserve endemic rare species is limited. Social factors favoring maintenance of perennial species in agricultural plots include collective rules, households traditions, use of the plants maintained in the systems, and the environmental information gathered from NGOs, the local Biosphere Reserve, and researchers. However, agroforestry systems are losing their capability to maintain vegetation cover, mainly because of (i) decreasing amount of land managed by households, determined by a progressive fragmentation of the land area given to new families, (ii) adoption of technologies to intensify agriculture, and (iii) governmental programs penalizing the presence of vegetation patches within agricultural lands since they are considered “useless” areas. Necessary policies to stop degradation of the agroforestry systems and to improve their conservation capacity are discussed.     

Comparative growth performance of some multipurpose trees and shrubs grown at Machakos,Kenya

Growth rates of 29 multipurpose trees grown in an agroforestry arboretum for six years at a sub-humid to semi-arid climatic zone are presented. Exotic species such as Grevillea robusta, Sesbania grandiflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Cassia siamea and Sesbania sesban, some of which were outside their traditional climatic zones, had higher diameters, heights and bole volumes/tree (upto 130% more in certain cases) than of the indigenous species. However, poor performance of several species (both exotic and indigenous) would limit their agroforestry potentials at the evaluation site or other similar areas.     

Agroforestry in Europe: a review of the disappearance of traditional systems and development of modern agroforestry practices, with emphasis on experiences in Germany

Agroforestry is a new name for a rather old practice. From a historical point of view, various agroforestry systems existed in Europe, of which the wood pastures (Neolithicum), the Dehesas in Spain (~4,500 years old) and the Hauberg of the Siegerland (established in the Middle Age) are the most prominent. Other widespread systems in Europe were hedgerows, windbreaks and Streuobst (orchard intercropping). Due to mechanisation and intensification of agriculture, trees have been progressively removed from agricultural fields and traditional agroforestry systems slowly disappeared. Today, agroforestry systems are again increasing in interest as they offer the potential to solve important ecological and, especially, biodiversity problems, while at the same time enabling the production of food, wood products and fodder for cattle. Although agroforestry systems offer many advantages, many farmers are sceptical of these systems and are critical and risk-averse with regard to adopting new practices. However, in comparison to traditional systems, modern agroforestry systems can be adapted to current farming practices. By selecting suitable trees and appropriate tree management, high-quality timber can be produced without influencing agricultural crops excessively. In future, agroforestry systems will become increasingly important as they offer the prospect of producing woody perennials for bioenergy on the same land area as food and/or fodder plants, while enhancing overall biodiversity.     

Cardamom, mandarin and nitrogen-fixing trees in agroforestry systems in India's Himalayan region. II. Soil nutrient dynamics

A study on seasonal soil nutrient dynamics was made in large cardamom (Amonum subulatum) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata) agroforestry systems in the Sikkim Himalaya, India. Alnus nepalensis was the N₂-fixing associate in the large cardamom system, and Albizia stipulata in the mandarin agroforestry system. Sites without N₂-fixing species in both agroforestry types comprised native non-symbiotic mixed tree species. Soil was acidic in the cardamom agroforestry and slightly acidic to neutral in the mandarin agroforestry system. Total-N in soils was the highest in the forest-cardamom stand and the lowest in the mandarin-based agroforestry systems. Soil ammonium-N and nitrate-N concentrations were highly seasonal, and the ratio of seasonal maximum and minimum varied up to six times. The C/N ratio was higher in cardamom agroforestry indicating lower N availability than in the mandarin agroforestry. Cardamom stand with Alnus showed a relatively narrower C/N ratio. N₂-fixing species help in maintenance of soil organic matter levels with higher N-mineralization rate as land use change from natural-forest system to agroforestry systems with sparse tree populations. Ratios of inorganic-P/total-P were lower in cardamom agroforestry than the mandarin agroforestry. Seasonal fluctuation in Ca-PO₄, Al-PO₄ and Fe-PO₄ contents regulated the availability of phosphates to some extent for plant uptake.     

Tropical leguminous species for acid soils: studies on plant form and growth in Costa Rica

Few studies of adaptability and growth of native legume species have been conducted on degraded acid soils. The lack of data for native species has often precluded their use in incentive-supported reforestation and international agroforestry schemes. A species screening trial that included 25 legume species was conducted at three abandoned pasture sites in the Atlantic Lowland of Costa Rica. Most of the leguminous species were of potential multipurpose value: 8% were exotic N₂-fixing trees, 60% (some of which were N₂-fixers) were indigenous to the region, and 32% (some of which were N₂-fixers) were native to other areas of Costa Rica. Survival (including damage indices), growth, tree form and N₂-fixing ability were used to evaluate species performance. Survival of the majority of the species after 3 years was high. Pithecellobium idiopodum, Inga edulis, Albizia guachapele, Pithecellobium elegans and Dalbergia retusa had greater than 90% survival at all sites. There were significant differences in growth measures among species. Across sites Acacia mangium, Stryphnodendron microstachyum and Inga edulis produced the greatest stem volume, and A. mangium, I. edulis, P. idiopodum and S. microstachyum had the highest crown volume. Inga edulis, P. idiopodum, I. coruscans and P. macroloba failed to form straight single stems. Acetylene reduction assay at Site 3 showed that I. edulis, A. mangium, A. guichapele, and I. coruscans had the highest nitrogenase activity among the best growing species. This trial indicates that there are native leguminous species with excellent potential for reforestation and agroforestry on acid soils high in aluminum and manganese.     

Ethnobotanical knowledge of Philippine lowland farmers and its application in agroforestry

Complex agroforestry systems that mimic local forest structure, so-called ‘analogs’, are assumed to be of specific value to rural people as well as the environment. The objective of this study was to document and evaluate the utilization of plant resources by Philippine lowland farmers to identify native species suitable for integration in such a system. The interviewed farmers maintain a comprehensive ethnobotanical knowledge. They reported using 122 plant species for 77 purposes. Eighty species have medicinal value, 35 provide food, and 32 serve other uses. About 64% of the identified species are Philippine natives. The life form composition of these species is dominated by trees but also includes herbs, lianas, and graminoids, thus providing the structural elements required in analog systems. Nevertheless, only a few of the species seem to be promising for cultivation. Many of them are ubiquitous in the vicinity of villages. Some species are also not much appreciated but act as staple food only during food shortage. Even though several of the species have proven market value, such as rattan (e.g. Calamus merrillii), or are reputed medicines, such as ‘Philippine ginseng’ (Sarcandra glabra), no cultivation could be observed. This shows that usefulness in itself cannot be the only criterion to promote species but that it requires a careful analysis of the marketability of the respective species. In this context we suggest the following three species that are of proven medicinal value for in-depth study: the liana Tinospora crispa (Menispermaceae), the tree Picrasma javanica (Simaroubaceae), and the herb Sarcandra glabra (Chloranthaceae). They represent three different life form strategies and would thus fit well in vertically structured agroforestry systems.     

Piaroa shifting cultivation: temporal variability of soil characteristics and spatial distribution of crops in the Venezuelan Orinoco

The Piaroa is an indigenous community located in the Venezuelan and Columbian Orinoquia. This community has made shifting agriculture part of their agricultural production system. This activity has allowed them to maintain food sovereignty and has guaranteed their territorial sustainability. The globalization processes and demographic growth however, have caused indigenous communities in the Venezuelan Orinoquia, including the Piaroa, to experience significant changes over the last four decades. These changes are characterized by the application of external development models and the consequent productive dependency. These factors threaten the continuity of the existing system. Our current understanding and administration of Piaroan agroforestry is composed of information designed to provide technical tools for generating sustainable management strategies for the tropical forests. Several anthropological and ecological studies have described the Piaroa shifting agricultural system for the purpose of providing aid. These studies also propose possible microsites selected by Piaroa farmers; however, the selection has not yet been investigated concretely. This information gives important contributing guidelines for agroforestry management and the selection of species in the Amazon, while taking into consideration shifting agriculture understanding. For this reason the temporary variability of the soil characteristics and their relationship with the spatial distribution of the crops is important. In the Cuao River watershed, located in the Venezuelan Amazon, ten systems of Piaroa shifting agriculture were randomly selected from different developmental stages. Established within these systems were a total of ten circular areas, each with a four-meter radius. In each of these areas the following was performed: (i) soil sample from the horizontal Ap (15 cm depth), (ii) vegetation inventory and (iii) an estimated area of the soil covered by biodegrading woody biomass, leaf litter cover and total vegetation cover. The temporary variability was determined by applying statistical methods to the information taken from the sites, according to the soil characteristics and properties. In the same way, a linear regression model was applied to explain the distribution of the cultivated species based on the soil’s properties and characteristics. The results indicate significant changes in Ca²⁺ and K⁺ throughout the sequence. Variations in the CO, N and P totals were also observed, however these attributes did not show significant differences. During the first part of the sequence (0–4 years), the applied models explained the cultivated species distribution, Manihot esculenta, Zea mays, Ananas comosus and Pouteria caimito, with R² >0.5 and in a later stage (4–6 years) the model explained the distribution of fruit trees such as Theobroma grandiflorum and Pourouma cecropiifolia. Finally, in the most recent studies the model fails to explain the distribution of the species with noted exceptions such as Euterpe oleracea.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses in a cut-and-carry forage production system of legume tree Gliricidia sepium and fodder grass Dichanthium aristatum

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses may alter the competitive abilities of plant species and facilitate positive interactions such as nutrient transfer between plants. They are therefore particularly interesting components in agroforestry systems. We studied spatial variation of AM colonisation on a cut-and-carry fodder production site (agroforestry plot) of the legume tree Gliricidia sepium and the fodder grass Dichanthium aristatum. Roots of the two plant species were sampled under the tree canopies and on the adjacent grass plot at 1 and 3.5 m from the first tree row where G. sepium roots also occur. Roots of D. aristatum were also sampled on a nearby grass monocrop. Colonisation of arbuscules, vesicles and hyphae in root samples was visually determined, and AM fungal species were identified by DNA sequencing. Colonisation and frequency of types of AM formations varied statistically significantly between the species and sampling points. Arbuscular colonisation in G. sepium roots was higher under the tree canopies than on the adjacent grass plot. Soil nutrient content, particularly P and N, and interspecies competition are the most probable explanations for the observed variation in AM colonisation. Both arbuscular colonisation and arbuscule:vesicle ratio in D. aristatum roots was lower on the D. aristatum monocrop than on the agroforestry plot under or near the tree canopies. Intercropping could stimulate AM symbiosis in D. aristatum. Both plant species formed symbiosis with Rhizophagus intraradices, indicating potential for interplant N transfer via common mycelial networks of AM-forming fungi.     

Nature vs. nurture: managing relationships between forests,agroforestry and wild biodiversity

Many agroforestry systems are found in places that otherwise would be appropriate for natural forests, and often have replaced them. Humans have had a profound influence on forests virtually everywhere they both are found. Thus ‘natural’ defined as ‘without human influence’ is a hypothetical construct, though one that has assumed mythological value among many conservationists. Biodiversity is a forest value that does not carry a market price. It is the foundation, however, upon which productive systems depend. The relationship between agroforestry and the wild biodiversity contained in more natural forests is a complicated one, depending on the composition of the agroforestry system itself and the way it is managed. Complex forest gardens are more supportive of biodiversity than monocrop systems, shade coffee more than sun coffee, and systems using native plants tend to be more biologically diverse. Nonnative plants, especially potentially invasive alien species, threaten biodiversity and need to be avoided. The relationship between forests, agroforestry and wild biodiversity can be made most productive through applying adaptive management approaches that incorporate ongoing research and monitoring in order to feed information back into the management system. Maintaining diversity in approaches to management of agroforestry systems will provide humanity with the widest range of options for adapting to changing conditions. Clear government policy frameworks are needed that support alliances among the many interest groups involved in forest biodiversity.

     

Agroforestry in the arid zones of India

The arid regions of India cover over 300,000 km² and are spread over six States, mostly in the northwestern parts of the country. In spite of the hostile environmental conditions, several indigenous agroforestry practices are being practised in this region. The Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) has made considerable progress in improving these indigenous practices and also developing new land use technologies some of which involve agroforestry approaches. Notable among these include sand-dune stabilization, shelterbelt plantations, tree planting techniques in difficult land forms, silvopastoral and agrisilvicultural systems, introduction and improvement of fruit trees and other indigenous trees, etc. Some of these technologies are adopted on a large scale by farmers in the arid zone of India, and have attracted international attention in other arid parts of the world. This paper is a summary of the results of these agroforestry initiatives of CAZRI.