Farmer costs and benefits from agroforestry and farm forestry projects in Central America and the Caribbean: implications for policy

Abstract

This paper presents results of an evaluation of the benefits provided by agroforestry and farm forestry projects in Central America and the Caribbean, and the policy implications. Tree planting provided financial benefits to farmers, as well as social, economic and environmental benefits. These justify policy interventions to explicitly recognize the potential of on-farm tree-planting efforts and provide a policy environment favorable to such efforts. New or revised policies are needed, particularly in a period of declining public budgets, to limit external incentives to in-kind inputs, rather than financial subsidies; promote market development for tree products; adopt low-cost, community-based extension strategies; focus research support; and reduce regulatory disincentives.

Benefits as used here are defined broadly and refer to outputs of agroforestry plantings which enhance well being and include financial, social, aesthetic and environmental benefits as perceived by the farmers themselves.