Final report for ES19-149
Project Information
Agroforestry systems have shown to be more resilient to catastrophic events. When compared to traditional monoculture, agroforestry systems receive less damage and recover faster after events such as hurricanes and flooding. We propose a combination of on-farm practical learning and a multimedia shade agroforestry management guide to encourage local extension agents and farmers to adopt and recommend agroforestry practices. The goal of this project is to ease the barriers for the adoption of agroforestry systems. Participants will be recruited from local extension agents, Department of Agriculture field agronomists, local NGOs and farmers with whom they work and currently have or shown an interest in establishing agroforestry practices. As a result we expect participants to be more prone to recommend or establish agroforestry systems, as well as be prepared to train others on the management of the shade tree component. Surveys and reflections will be used as tools to evaluate the impacts and achievement of the project goals.
- The creation of a multimedia agroforestry management guide that will serve as a tool for local extension agents and farmers to train, promote, and manage shade trees within multiple types of agroforestry systems.
- Expose 45 participants to a series of practical and online workshops based on experiential learning that will include multiple areas of shade tree management.
- Provide tools for the participants at the end of the project and also ensure they will become trainers and have all the necessary equipment to perform practical learning training.
Education
Practical learning workshops at which participants learn to use and mange shade trees by performing activities such as planting, pruning and managing residues from tree pruning.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Familiarize participants with the management of tree in agroforestry systems.
Participants are exposed to theoretical concepts of tree biology, biodiversity and agroforestry systems and tree pruning techniques. Participants are exposed to experimental learning in real agroforestry systems where they perform practices such as tree planting, mesure shade, tree pruning and management of tree pruning residue.
After completing the workshops participants provide there recommendation for the malamente guide draft. Also are able to apply best practices regarding the planting and pruning of trees in agroforestry systems as well as understand and explain the benefits of agroforestry systems for the farmer and biodiversity conservation at the farm and landscape scale