Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for the Provision of Ecosystem Services to Enhance Agricultural Production in Sene East District,Ghana

This study investigated farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) by trading food crop as payment for the provision of ecosystem services (ES) to enhance agricultural production and factors influencing their WTP through integrating timber trees on their farmlands in Sene East district, Ghana. A total of 177 farmers were selected from six communities using stratified and simple random sampling. One-on-one interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. The contingent valuation method was used to gather the data on farmers’ WTP for the provision of ES. A multiple linear regression was run to test factors influencing farmers’ WTP. The results showed that 59% of farmers were willing to pay for the provision of ES. Gender, age, educational status, farmers’ perception to climate change and access to land significantly (p < .001) and positively influence farmers’ WTP. This study identified difficulties in acquiring land, insecure tree tenure and indiscriminate logging as governance challenges that should be addressed to support farmers’ WTP for the provision of ES to enhance agricultural production.     

Getting Trees Into Farmers’ Fields: Success of Rural Nurseries in Distributing High Quality Planting Material in Cameroon

Availability of high quality tree planting material within proximity of farmers and at affordable prices is one of the prerequisites for larger uptake of tree cultivation. This study examines whether rural small-scale nurseries can produce a diversity of tree planting material and whether resource-poor farmers have access to it. Twelve nurseries supported by the tree domestication program in the West and North-west regions of Cameroon were compared to 12 nurseries in similar conditions, but not in contact with the program. Nurseries using the domestication approach were found to provide tree planting material that responds better to farmers’ needs in terms of quantities, species and propagation methods used. Their clientele is more diverse including farmers from the communities where the nurseries are located, but also from far beyond. However, prices of vegetatively propagated material were considered the most prohibitive factor. It is concluded that tree planting initiatives should refocus efforts towards technical training and business support to small-scale nurseries to increase efficiency. Research efforts should look for ways of reducing production costs and improving nursery productivity.     

Farmers’ perceptions about exotic multipurpose fodder trees and constraints to their adoption

Many organizations in Ethiopia have for many years promoted exotic multipurpose fodder trees (EMPFT) for livestock feed and soil improvement. Despite the apparent benefits, the number of farmers planting these trees was low. The objectives were to elucidate farmers’ perceptions about their use value, management practices and constraints to adoption in three districts representing annual (one wheat-based and one teff-based) and perennial (coffee-based) crop-livestock systems in the Ethiopian highlands. Data were collected from 235 farm households. Most farmers (95.3%) had awareness of EMPFTs and the principal information sources were development agents (75.3%). Over half of the farmers were motivated to plant EMPFTs for feed value. Motivation for other purposes depended on cropping system, vegetation cover and availability of alternative local fodder trees in the area. Farmers had positive perceptions about EMPFTs for their feed value and contribution to soil conservation. Current adopters had a mean number of 587 (SE ± 84) EMPFTs per farm. Major constraints to adoption of EMPFTs were agronomic problems, low multipurpose value, and land shortage. Majority of farmers (89.8%) were interested to either continue or begin fodder tree development. Of the interested respondents, 44.5% preferred local fodder trees whereas 55.5% preferred EMPFTs. We conclude that farmers are aware of use values of EMPFTs while perceived constraints suggest that introduction of EMPFTs need consideration of farmers multiple criteria, but also awareness of feeding fodder trees and resource availability. Moreover, current development approaches have to recognize the importance of involving the end-users at all stages through participatory approaches to enhance adoption.     

Farmers’ perceptions of tree mortality, pests and pest management practices in agroforestry in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia

Pest management research within the context of agroforestry is in its infancy, and it is often difficult to say when a particular pest justifies investment in research to establish facts. Understanding the potentials and drawbacks of farmers’ indigenous ecological knowledge (ethnoecology) may form the basis for constructive collaboration between farmers, agroforestry scientists and extension staff. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to (1) assess farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of pests, (2) prioritize pest problems that limit tree planting and maize production based on farmers’ own criteria and (3) to identify farmers’ indigenous pest management practices for priority pests. Data were collected using community meetings, individual interviews and direct observation by the first author. The farmers involved in this study in eastern Zambia had over ten years of experience, while most of the farmers in Mozambique and parts of southern Malawi were new to agroforestry. Farmers perceived insects as the major causes of tree mortality, followed by drought, bush fires and browsing by livestock. Among the biological constraints to maize production, insects (particularly termites and stalk bores) and weeds (particularly Striga asiatica) were more important in farmers’ minds than crop diseases. Fundamentally, the farmers’ perception of the causes of tree mortality and crop pests agreed with researchers’ perceptions and the literature. Both termite and witch weed problems were associated with low soil quality, and farmers use various indigenous control practices to control these pests. Some farmers did not know the causes of tree mortality, and hence do not take action. Farmer’s perception of tree mortality was found to be a function of operator-specific variables such as sex, level of education and years of experience with tree species.     

Farmers’ perception and reasons for practicing farmer managed natural regeneration in Tigray,Ethiopia

Agroforestry Systems - Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a rapid, low cost and easily replicated approach to restore and improve degraded agricultural, forest and pasture lands. The...     

Analysis on the Spatial Distribution and Evolutionary Trends of Farmers’ Forestry Income in China

With regard to the implementation of the Collective Forestry Tenure Reform in China, the proportion of forestry income in farmers’ total family income has gradually increased with rapid increases observed in some provinces. Due to these regional disparities, it is important to analyze the spatial distribution and evolutionary trends of farmers’ forestry income to uncover the underlying factors for the existing distribution and note gradual changes from the perspective of economic geography. When spatial distribution and evolutionary trends of farmers’ forestry income data from 31 provinces from 2000 to 2012 were analyzed, we found that farmers’ forestry income during the 13-yr period grew quickly, but the disparities between the highest and lowest income rates gradually widened as large increases in income within a few provinces constituted the bulk of the overall increase across China. We attribute the observed spatial distribution and evolutionary trends to an imbalanced distribution of forestry resources, varying forest species, complicated forestry ownership, multiple forestry policies, differences of labor, and forestry investment.     

Flammability Ranking of Major Species of Trees and Shrubs in Daxing’anling Area of Northeastern China

Factor analysis and expert scoring methods were used to rank flammability of 16 major species of trees and shrubs in Daxing’anling area of northeastern China,based on 6 flammability variables,i.e.,air dry moisture content,absolute dry moisture content,ignition point,ash content,heat of combustion and extractive content measured on leaves,barks and twigs.Out of 16 species evaluated,for leaves’ flammability,Larix gmelini was the smallest and Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica was the biggest;for barks’ flammability,Salix koreensis was the smallest and P.sylvestris var.mongolica was the biggest;and for twigs’ flammability,Populus davidiana was the smallest and Ledum palustre var.dilatatum was the biggest.The flammability ranking based on the integrated scores of leaves,barks and twigs suggested that Prunus padus,Betula dahurica,and L.gmelini were the top 3 less flammable species and that L.palustre var.dilatatum,P.sylvestris var.mongolica,and R.simsii were the top 3 more flammable species.This ranking agreed well with current standards and experience and should help the species selection for building fire-break forest belts in the study region.     

Role of Trees in Urban Areas and Challenges of their Establishment

1 INTRODUCTIONThe urban landscapes expand over large area. Asurbanization spreads into less developed rural areas, agrowing percentage of the natural resources will becomea part of urban forest ecosystems, and increasingamounts of forest outside these systems also will besubject to urban influence.The expansion of urban landscapes has particularlyimportant implications for the use and management ofpublic holdings, including protected forests, nationalparks, and state and locally administer…     

Farmers’ perspectives on factors limiting tomato production and yields in Kabete,Kiambu County,Kenya

A survey was carried out in Kabete, Central Kenya to establish the limitations and constraints experienced by farmers growing tomatoes. A structured questionnaire was prepared and tested in the field before the actual survey was carried out. Fifty farmers were interviewed and the data analysed established that most farmers lacked enough land, irrigation water, credit and technological knowledge to enable them to optimize tomato production, especially during dry spells when they could fetch premium prices. The average farm size ranged from 0.13 to 1.5 ha and ownership was on a freehold basis. Most households (43%) consisted of five people. A major constraint facing farmers was soil moisture, cited by 50% of farmers interviewed. Nematode infestation and low fertility came second at 25% each. About 60% of the farmers used diammonium phosphates (DAP) for planting and 20% top dressed with calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN). In conclusion, there is a need to provide farmers with reliable irrigation water at affordable prices and credit facilities to enable them to afford inputs such as quality seeds and fertilizers. This will allow them to produce in the dry seasons to take advantage of premium market prices.     

Do Forest Values Influence Compliance with Forestry Legislation? The Case of Farmers in the Fringes of Forest Reserves in Ghana

Forest values play an important role in forest management practices, and in the design and implementation of forest policy and the legal framework. This paper assesses the importance of farmers’ forest values and the potential associations between farmers’ forest values and their compliance with the tree-felling rule in Ghana. The results are derived from a survey with farmers, inhabiting fringes of forest reserves in the High Forest Zone of Ghana. With the exception of the forest value for future generations, forest values that contribute to immediate subsistence and livelihoods are perceived as the most important (i.e. environmental, subsistence and economic forest values). These values provide, among others, wide variety of foods, such as wild crops and bushmeat, farming land, medicinal plants, household items such as ropes, lianas and mats, firewood and shelter. Aesthetic and religion-related forest values are considered to be the least important. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis suggests that farmers’ forest values may to some extent influence their compliance with the tree-felling rule. Economic, religion-related and learning forest values are likely to encourage compliance with the tree-felling rule.     

A Study of Consistency between Land Degradation Control Policy and Farmers’ Needs in Western Area,China

The paper chose two counties (Qis) in Inner Mongolia as the research areas to study the policies of conversion of farmland to forest and grazing prohibition and indoor raising implemented in there, which are closely related to the interests of farmers and herdsmen. Based on the investigation and interview among farmer households, the paper analyzed the consistency between land degradation prevention and control policy and the needs of farmers and herdsmen, and finally presented the countermeasures and sugge...     

Smallholder Farmers’ Knowledge of Regulations Governing the Sale of Timber and Supply Chains in Gunungkidul District,Indonesia

Smallholder timber plantations may offer opportunities for farmers to increase their income. Nonetheless, such opportunities are often lost largely due to unfavorable regulations imposed on harvesting and marketing of timber. Adverse impacts are worsened because the regulations are not effectively communicated to smallholder farmers. We assessed the level of smallholder knowledge of existing regulations and found it very low. In part, this correlated to their socio-demographic characteristics. Poor literacy skills and a low level of education make it difficult for older farmers’ to increase their knowledge. This is compounded by the limited information channels that can reach the farmers. Improving smallholders’ knowledge by providing information concerning markets and regulations in a timely and clear manner could help smallholders exercise coping strategies and priorities when selling their timber that would in turn reduce the negative impacts of regulations. The roles of village authorities could be crucial. They are close to the smallholders and could channel the information. The government could provide training and incentives for them to be more active in communicating the regulations to the smallholders.     

What Tree Species Work Best for Reforestation? Human Perceptions and Beliefs in Ghana’s High Forest Zone

We identified the perceptions and beliefs that underpin species selection for reforestation among smallholder farmers in the Wassa Amenfi District located in Ghana’s High Forest Zone. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a conceptual framework, we collected perceived outcome beliefs, social referents, and control factors from the farmers with a pre-tested, Likert scaled, structured questionnaire. A Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to test for significance of differences between the responses from farmers already planting trees (PF) and those not planting trees (NPF). We found that NPF were significantly higher than PF in belief strength that tree species that have straight boles, grow fast, and have coppicing abilities are the ideal species for reforestation. We found no significant differences between the farmer groups in their motivation to comply with family members and target market as social referents in species selection; however, NPF were significantly higher in compliance with fellow farmers and landowners. NPF were significantly higher than PF that inadequate planting materials and length of investment are the main control factors, serving as the impediments discouraging NPF from participating in indigenous species reforestation.     

Analysis on Application of Greening Trees in Typical Cities： Case Studies in Harbin and Hefei

1INTRODUCTIONTreesconstitutethemainpartofurbanforest.Differenttreespecieshasdifferentecologicalandlandscapefunctionsinshading,sterilizing,absorbingdustandbeautifyingtheenvironment.Moreover,thewholefunctionsofdifferenturbanforesttypescomposedofmanydifferenttreespecies,shrubsandherbagesaredifferent(PengZhenhua,2002;WangCheng,2002;WangCheng,etal,2002).Therefore,thelevelofstability,themagnitudeoffunctionalityandtherepresentationofsectionalcharacteristicareallcloselyrelatedwiththeselectionan…     

Plant characteristics mediated by growing conditions can impact parasitoid’s ability to attack host aphids in winter canola

Winter canola (Brassica napus) is an important crop in various parts of the world. It is planted in fall, vernalized during winter and offers higher yields than spring canola. One of the key aphid pests of this crop is Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae). Recent surveys in Europe showed that M. persicae in winter canola is parasitized by Aphidius matricariae and Diaeretiella rapae, but not by other aphidiine parasitoid species known to attack M. persicae in other crops. During vernalization, winter canola plants acclimatize to survive specific climatic conditions of winter, e.g. through the formation of epicuticular waxes on leaves. These waxes could affect efficiency on natural enemies. In this study, we characterized (1) the ability of aphidiine parasitoids to locate and attack M. persicae on winter canola, and (2) how plant vernalization influences parasitoid ability to attack suitable hosts. In the laboratory, the ability of A. ervi, A. matricariae and D. rapae to orient toward odors of the M. persicae-winter canola complex was studied in an olfactometer, as well as their ability to attack M. persicae on winter canola. In addition, the impact of plant species and plant vernalization on the ability of A. colemani to attack and locate M. persicae was evaluated. The results show that A. matricariae and D. rapae readily locate and attack M. persicae on winter canola as does A. ervi, albeit to lesser extent. Aphidius colemani shows low ability to parasitize M. persicae on this plant species. Vernalization of canola is an important factor mediating the ability of A. colemani to attack M. persicae and it likely results from the presence of Brassica’s waxes that reduce parasitoid mobility and impact foraging behavior. These results show that aphid parasitoids differ in their ability to locate and attack M. persicae on winter canola, the latter being a function of parasitoids’ capacity to cope with plant characteristics that are mediated by growing conditions.     

Agroforestry Practices among Male and Female Farmers in South–South, Nigeria

Perceptions of the benefits of agroforestry practices (AFPs) and the level of utilization of these practices by male and female participants were examined in the agroforestry programs of the Akwa Ibom and Cross River State Governments of the South–South region of Nigeria. Responses were derived from 250 randomly selected respondents. Overall, respondents perceived the major benefit of agroforestry practices as enhancement of environmental conservation. Female respondents however perceived increased income as the major benefit of agroforestry practices. A composite perception index revealed that women farmers were more favourably disposed than male respondents to the utilization of agroforestry practices. The farmers were favourably disposed to the utilization of only five of the 16 identified AFPs in the study area, including ‘leaving of isolated woody trees on farmlands’, ‘utilizing woody trees as windbreaks’ and to ‘demarcate farm boundaries’, ‘planting of woody trees in combination with fruit trees’, and ‘planting of woody trees in combination with vegetable crops’. Male and female responses were generally similar although a major difference was observed with regard to ‘planting of trees for fuel wood’. The composite index, however, revealed a general low level of utilization of AFPs, although female farmers were relatively more disposed to the utilization of AFPs. The key policy implication of the study is the necessity to embark on sustained education and environmental awareness campaign, with a focus on presenting AFPs as livelihood sustaining and risk mitigation activities, against its present misperception as simply a government strategy to increase the stock of woody trees in the environment. This policy should endeavour to target landless women farmers who have been found to be more interested in the adoption of AFPs into their farming system.     

Community Structure of Urban Forest and Disposition Characteristics of Trees in Hefei Ring Park

This paper adopted vegetation research method toanalyze Hefei Ring Park, which has typical urban forestcharacteristics. Although over the past five decadesthe park was rebuilt several times, it still fundamentallykeeps forest structure well. It provides good materialsto study urban forest communities.The aim of this paper is to discuss the feasibility ofadopting traditional vegetation research method forstudy on urban forest community, to compare andanalyze community structure, composition, a…     

An Empirical Estimation of Effects of Priority Forestry Programs on Farmers’ Incomes in China

China has launched six Priority Forestry Programs (PFPs) since 1998, i.e. the Natural Forest Protection Program, the Cropland Conversion to Forest and Grassland Program, Sandification Control Program for the Vicinity of Beijing & Tianjin , Wildlife Conservation and Nature Reserve Development Program, Forest Industrial Base Development Program and Shelterbelt Development Programs for regions such as Three North and the Yangtze River Catchments. The Government of China has made different policies for these PF...     

Farmers’ objectives toward their woodlands in the upper Midwest of the United States: implications for woodland volumes and diversity

This paper reports the results of a study that explores the relationship between farm woodland owners’ stated intentions for owning woodland, and the structure and composition of these woodlands in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa in the upper Midwest of the United States. Data from two sample-based inventories conducted by the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program were combined for this analysis—the FIA forest resources inventory and the National Woodland Owner Survey (NWOS). We looked for relationships between product value and investment in woodlands, as reflected in volumes and tree quality. We also examined whether measures of diversity reflected specific management focus. Our results partially supported our hypotheses. Woodland-focused ownership reasons were found to have larger volumes and individual tree sizes. We found that a passive woodland ownership reason—that woods were “part of the farm”—generally had lower volumes per hectare. Although we were not able to differentiate between different forest product classes and measures of volume, we did find that those landowners who harvested veneer had more volume than those who harvested for firewood. Woodland owners who salvage-harvested their woodlands—a harvesting reason that is more reactive than proactive—exhibited lower volumes per hectare than those who harvested for more proactive, product-focused reasons. Biodiversity was also found to be related to the ownership focus and harvest intent. Generally, there was lower diversity in overstory species when the woodland was viewed merely as “part of the farm,” when the product harvested was fence posts and when timber was harvested for salvage or land clearing. The small sample size limits our analysis, but we can conclude that focusing the woodland owners on management of their woodlands—regardless of what the specific management goals might be—should increase productivity and biodiversity of those woodlands.