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

Preface
While a great deal of interest has been expressed in multipurpose tree species (MPTS) in recent
years, little has been published on the use of MPTS on small-scale farms. Furthermore, most of what
has been pu!lished has not been oriented toward the needs of small-scale farmers, or based on
research methods in which the results are unique to specific conditions and which are not appropriate
in other situations, are therefore unavailable to small-scale farmers for implementation. Yet the need
to develop research results oriented toward the needs of small-scale farmers, cxtending this research
information to the farmers, and obtaining research results that are comparable are critical to the future
usefulness of MPTS research.
The conference was designed to improve the methods currently used in MPTS research on the
needs of small-scale farmers, 1o orient research efforts toward these needs, to enhance the delivery
system needed to make this research available to farmers, and to identify means of standardizing
research methods among researchers.
In the spirit of developing a regional network of scientists actively involved in MPTS research, the
conference provided a mechanism for the exchange of research plans, methods and results. The
emphasis of the c-,nfcrcnce, howcvcr, was on research plans, methods and results that are-" important
ant useful in an international context. The conference therefore focused on research methods that
could be used to help make research results more comparable between studies and sites.
The conference was divided into four general topic areas: determining end uses, demand and market
potentials; evaluating the supply of products; determining extension, implementation, and training
needs; and orienting research efforts to small-scale farm needs.
Forty scientists reprcscnting ten countries presented papers and poster sessions with their thoughts
and ideas. More than eighty scientists and invited observers participated in the discussions.
The intent of the conference sponsors, in addition to providing an open forum for discussion, was to
publish and,distribute the following proceedings; worldwide with the hope that the thoughts and ideas
generated will advance the frontiers of MPTS research. The conference outputs are the proceedings
plus the opportunity for more than eighty scientists to discuss and debate MPTS research in Asia for
four uninterrupted days.
We hope this publication serves as a productive step in the development of strategies and methods
for oventing MPTS research to small-scale farm use.
Lee Medema Cherla B. Sastry
Forest Economist Senior Program Officer,
Winrock International Forestry
F/FRED, Bangkok IDRC, Singapore
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