Contextual Analysis of Agroforestry Adoption in the Buffer Zone of Podocarpus National Park, Ecuador

Background

Promoting sustainable agriculture and community development has been an important strategy both to alleviate resource pressures on Ecuador’s Podocarpus National Park (PNP) and surrounding forested areas in its buffer zone, and to aid local communities. However, many contextual factors drive neighboring rural and agricultural communities to put pressure on PNP and the surrounding landscape.

Research & methods

The paper is based on interviews during a 10-day field trip to PNP and extensive research on natural resource and governance issues in Ecuador. The paper explores challenges facing local farmers that are impediments to viable agroforestry production, including governmental and organizational policies, access to markets, and conservation agendas.

Conclusions & takeaways

The paper argues for reforms in property rights and land use planning; investment in capacity building for and greater institutional collaboration with community groups focused on agroforestry; increased market access and incentives for farmers who invest in agroforestry systems and sustainable land management practices. The authors argue that these strategies would provide greater options and incentives for small farmers to participate in land intensification activities, alleviating resource pressure on PNP and the remaining forested areas surrounding the park.