Amazonian agroforestry: a market-oriented system in Peru (original) (raw)

Abstract

Most reports on indigenous agroforestry systems of the Amazon region have described patterns employed by tribal groups almost exclusively for their own subsistence. This article discusses a market-oriented cyclic agroforestry system practiced by non-tribal ‘Mestizo’ farmers in Tamshiyacu, Peru. The system produces charcoal, as well as annual, semi-perennial, and perennial crops for local consumption, and for a regional market. The sale of these products provides a substantial cash income for many farmers. The data presented demonstrate that Amazonian cyclic agroforestry systems are capable of being commercially successful enterprises and of serving as possible models for further agricultural development.

Resumen

La mayoria de informes sobre sistemas agroforestales indígenas de la regíon amazónica han descrito formas utilizadas por grupos nativos casi exclusivamente para su subsistencia. Este artículo trata de un sistema agroforestal cíclico comercial empleado por agricultores mestizos en Tamshiyacu, Perú. Este sistema produce carbón, huertos anuales, semi-perennes y perennes para el consumo local y para el mercado regional. La venta de estos productos da un ingreso considerable a muchos agricultores. Los datos presentados demuestran que sistemas agroforestales amazónicos pueden tener valor comercial y servir de modelos eventuales para el desarrollo agrícola.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The New York Botanical Garden, Institute of Economic Botany, Bronx, N.Y., U.S.A.
    C. Padoch
  2. Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana, Iquitos, Peru
    J. Chota Inuma
  3. Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
    W. De Jong
  4. University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., U.S.A.
    J. Unruh

Authors

  1. C. Padoch
  2. J. Chota Inuma
  3. W. De Jong
  4. J. Unruh

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Padoch, C., Inuma, J.C., De Jong, W. et al. Amazonian agroforestry: a market-oriented system in Peru.Agroforest Syst 3, 47–58 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00045738

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