Importance of Agroforestry

and Its Effects on Economic

Growth In Fiji
 AGROFORESTRY

• Integration and management of forest and agricultural resources on the

same landscape. Thus, making the best and wise use of the land.

• Mixed cropping system.

 Benefits Of Agroforestry
• Controls soil erosion and degradation which reduces loss of water, soil material,
organic matter and nutrients.
• Increase soil fertility by maintaining soil organic matter.
• Reduction in the pests and diseases.
• Controls weeds.
• Conservation and protection of land and indigenous tree species.
• Reduces crop failure.
• Provide a more diverse farm economy and stimulates rural economy, leading to
more stable farms and communities.
• Economics risks are reduced when systems produce multiple products.
 Continued…
•  Higher overall yields and reduced operational costs.
•  Sustainable management of their and diminishing forest and tree resources.
• Provides food, nutrition and income security
• Stabilization of rivers by stems and roots
• Barrier along the contours of a slope.
• Reduces soil evaporation.
• Develops resilience to climate change.
• Employment status.
• Livestock possession.
• Reduction of dependency on the natural forest
 Issues and Challenges
 Adoption behavior
 Land tenure insecurity
 Extension (Awareness and education)
 Product development and market access
 Intellectual property rights
 Access and benefits sharing
 Supply and exchange of improved planting materials
 Policies, laws and regulations
 Continued….
 Access to markets and improved technology.
 Obtaining fair prices for agricultural produce.
 High transportation cost.
 Vulnerability to natural disasters.
 Poor access to credit and  research and extension services.
 Non-availability of farm workers during harvesting season.
 lack of labour-saving technology.
 Recommendations
 More studies/awareness should be done to show the numerous benefits in large
agricultural systems.
 Policies should be put in place to better encourage the adoption of agroforestry.
 The climate mitigation potential of agroforestry should not be overlooked, especially
as carbon emissions continue to increase.
 Intensive systems can be ecologically damaging, and agroforestry should be
considered to reduce fertilizer use or to maintain and restore soil health.
 While there is no single agroforestry practice that suits every climate or region, if
implemented effectively, will offer a wide-range of important benefits.
 Conclusion

• Agroforestry clearly has great potential to improve social and economic conditions
in Fiji.
• Technical knowledge and accurate information should be carefully conveyed so
that agroforestry practices can be sustained and to maximize benefits.
• Agroforestry stimulates farmers to attain both natural resource and socio-economic
sustainability.
• Agroforestry systems provide ways to manage scarce natural resources that
balances environmental care, financial feasibility and social responsibility.
 Reference
• A. Mohammad, Kabir Md. J & Karim Md S. (2016), Promoting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to replace
unproductive land use in Fiji and Vanuatu retrieved from http://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/445295/
• Agroforestry demo site excites Fiji’s Minister for Industries (2014) retrieved from
https://lrd.spc.int/our-work/forest-and-trees/agroforestry-and-community-forestry/agroforestry-demo-site-excites-fijis-mi
nister-for-primary-industries
• Cornelio.D.L, A synthesis of land use changes and agroforestry in Fiji Islands retrieved from
http://ejournal.forda-mof.org/ejournal-litbang/files/journals/12/articles/1772/submission/review/1772-4987-1-RV.pdf
• Ospina. C(2017). Climate and economic benefits of agroforestry systems retrieved from
http://climate.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Agroforestry-Article-3.6.17.pdf
• N. R. Gangadharappa, M. Shivamurthy & S. Ganesamoorthi(2003). Agroforestry - A Viable Alternative For Social,
Economic And Ecological Sustainability retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/XII/0051-B5.htm
• Padolina.C (2017), Promoting Agroforestry to Develop Resilience to Climate Change and Food Security of
Communities in Pacific Island Countries retrieved from
http://climate.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Agroforestry-Article-3.6.17.pdf
• State Of The World’s Forests (2005). Realizing the economic benefits of agroforestry: experiences, lessons and
challenges retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/y5574e/y5574e09.pdf.
THANK YOU .