multipurpose tree species research for small farms: strategies ... - part

Improving the Effectiveness of Multipurpose Tree Species Research
Research programs in.Nusa Tengarra Timur
(NTI'), Indonesia, focus on improving the living
standards of the resource poor, small-scale farmer.
Multipurpose tree species (MPTS) are an
important component of these programs.
Researchers need to fully understand the
interactions within and between components and
should not isolate specific components of the
system. The farmer will analyze and synthesize the
options presented to asccrtain whether a
technology is appropriate in-his or her particular
situation. The research program should assist the
farmer in this process. Two major elements of
identifying appropriate technologies include a
complete understanding of the environment in the
research program area and involving the
beneficiaries in the evaluation of the program.
Based on this approach, projects in N11 have
developed sound crop/livestock farming systems
with MPTS in agroforestry associations,
Background
Tree crops play an important role in the
farming systems of NTT, Indonesia. Farmers
manage a range of tree species in co.njunction with
food crops and livestock to increase the range of
options in an environment where annual crop
failure is common. Farmers are able to develop
sustainable and stable farming systems when tree
crops are integrated in the system. Tree crops can
also enhance annual crop production.
Small-scale farmers are involved in several
operations simultaneously. Research programs
should be oriented towards understanding where
MPTS can be incorporated into the system and
which options are available as alternatives. Several
approaches have been used to understand
agricultural farming systems. Agricultural and
forestry researchers involved in agroforestry
research should be fully aware of these options,
Research and development programs in NTT
are currently using these techniques to identify
in Nusa Tengarra Timur,Indonesia
Simon P. Field and M. Yasin HG
Nusa Tengarra Agricultural Support Project
Kupang NIT, Indonesia
MORIF, Maros
South Sulawesi, Indonesia
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appropriate technologies for farmers. An
examination of the farming systems of NTT,and
the problems and constraints faced by farmers
have been instrumental in developing
appropriate technologies for the province.
Examples of cases where MPTS h've been
successfully introduced into the farming system
are discussed.
Methods of Orienting MPTS Research
Research programs that have evolved around
existing farming systems have been useful in
identifying appropriate technologies to improve
farm production. Recently, programs have
focused more attention on the farmer.
Comparing the validity of technologies at the
farm level has ensured that MPTS can be
integrated into the farming system. Four
approaches need to be considered. They are
Agroecosystem Analysis, Farming Systems
Research and Development (FSRD , Di ;nosis
and Design (D & D) and the principle oi
farmer first and last. One system should not be
used to the exclusion of the others -- each
system has similar components. A combination
of the four systems will ensure that sound and
alpropriate MPTS recommendations are
identi ied to benefit small-scale farmers.
Agroecosystem Analysis
The agroecosystem approach is the
examination of the linkages between the
envirooment and agriculture. Conway (1985a;
1985b; 1987) discusses the major components of
the concept. The concept allows the researcher
to differentiate between discrete regions or
zones to focus the research program and
facilitate the transfer of technologies. The
system has four distinct properties to describe
the essential behavior of agroecosystems:
productivity, stability, sustainability and
equitability. The process is generally
descriptive and helpful in clarifying where the
research program should be directed.