Growing agroforestry trees: Farmers’ experiences with individual and group nurseries in Claveria, Philippines

Background

In the 1990s, a Landcare movement formed in Claveria, South Philippines, establishing community nurseries for fruit and timber trees based on a growing interest in promoting agroforestry and soil conservation. Ten years after the formation of these nurseries, the authors interviewed growers about the successes and limitations of that effort.

Research goals & methods

32 farmers with household nurseries were interviewed via chain sampling were interviewed about the benefits and constraints of household vs collective nurseries. Growers felt that they had greater control over production in their own nurseries, but had better access to resources (seeds, supplies, fencing) with the pooled funds and shared labor of group nurseries. While group nurseries often were constrained by lack of proper organization and coordination, they were also a source of shared information, enjoyment, and community-building.

Conclusions & takeaways

Despite minimal external support, Landcare groups have been able to establish a large number of group nurseries with additional increase in nurseries and tree plantings taken up on the household level. Group and individual nurseries are producing large quantities of quality seedlings. The opportunity for information-sharing in group nurseries is a major benefit, and can benefit from additional support from researchers and extension agents.