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

L. leucocephala is the most well known with
fuelwood, posts and fodde, as its most commcnly
known uses (Table 2). Both A. auricilifonzis and
A. manbrium scored low in the assessment, an
indication of the absence of previous information
about their features and uses.
Extent of utilization of the species
The abundance of L. leucocephalamakes it the
most utilized MPTS with fuelwood, fodder, posts,
and fencing as the major uses (Table 3). This is in
con' -ast toA. auriculifornisandA. mangitin which
are -egarded as ornamental trees.
Effect of farmer's awareness of the multiple
uses and local availability of tie species on the
extent of its use
Results of Fisher's Exact Probability Test show
that both awareness of the multiple uses of the
species and its local availability significantly affect
the farmer's extent of use of the test species (Table
4). This implies that the farmcr's previous
experience with certain MPTS influences his/her
preference for such species.
Effect of farmer's knowledge about attributes of
the species
Except for the respondents' knowledge of the
species' growth features, knowledge about the
species' agroforestry potential, presence of
GO/NGO supports and the occurrences of
associated problems significantly affect the choice
of species for farm use (Table 5).
Implication of Results
The farmers' knowledge of the test species'
growth features has no significant effect on the
choice of tree crop for farm use. The great
majority of the respondents are not familiar with
the growth characteristics of the test species. The
availability of plantiig materials and where to
obtain free MPTS seeds and seedlings for trial
testing is of more immediate concern to the
farmers,
The farmer's awareness of the species'
agroforestry potential significantly affects the
preference for such species. This means that
farmers are highly motivated to adopt MPTS if
they recognize the direct benefits for their farming
system.
The existence of GO/NGO se -port and related
programs f.tvoring the adoption of'the test species
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affects the farmer's preference for such species.
The advent of radio programs promoting the
uses of leucaena increased the species'
desirability among respondents. This
promotion together with the wide proliferation
of agroforestry projects with leucaena as the
tree crop component enhanced the wide
acceptability of the species in the area.
The farmer's awareness of drawbacks and
problems associated with the test species affects
the preference u, such species. Almost all
respondents arm ,ware o the psyllid infestation
of leucaena. Of the 26 respondents who
recognized the problem, only one signified a
preference for the species (Appendix).
However, in terms of individual species
preference, the majority of the respondents still
prefer leucaena over the other test species.
Conclusion/Policy Implications
The long experience of most upland farmers in
the area with certain MPTS greatly influences
their preference for those species for farm use.
This implies the need to increase the
accessibility of unfamiliar MPTS to the farmers
for them to gain exp.-rience with the feasibility
of such species for farm use.
The high correlation between the farmers'
awareness of the agroforestry potential of
MPI S and its acceptability as a farm crop
reveals the need for localized farmers' training
in agroforestry. Demonstration farms need to
be established for instruction and species trials.
The greater concern of most farmers for the
acquisition of MPTS seeds/seedlings over
knowledge of their growth characteristics
strongly suggests the need for community
nurseries. Such nurseries can be managed by
the villagers.
Prior to promotin, any MPTS there is a need to
determine the compatibility of the species with
the current daily and socioeconomic needs of
the villagers. A follow-up action-research study
should be conducted with the incorporation of
each development stage, ic. seedling
production, farmers' training in agroforestry,
and establishment of demonstration farms. This
is to provide a sufficient basis to determine the
social acceptability of newly introd,'ed MPTS
in terms of field adoption.