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- Title
Livestock activities in agroforestry systems in Guadeloupe: systems of production and functions.
- Authors
Alexandre, G.; Cheval, A.; Perrette, J.; Apatout, M.; Diman, J. L.; Larade, A.; Vinglassalon, A.
- Abstract
The value enhancement of Guadeloupe's private forests (48% of the total) is a major challenge for the territory in terms of agroecological transition combined with diverse ecosystem services (ES). In many Latin American regions, agroforestry systems (AFS) include a significant proportion of livestock, but very few are described in Guadeloupe. In this study, AFS including livestock activities were classified through semi-open interviews (n = 50) based on two dimensions: the agricultural region and the farmer's main production strategy. Results showed that, on average, AFS are family farming systems (more than 30%) and the percentage of farmers with multiple activities is high (77%). Mixed tree-crop-livestock systems are very frequent, with 1/3rd of the sub-units devoted to animal husbandry. Farmers preferably raise small ruminants, backyard animals, and large herbivores (20 to 25% of answers each), and to a lesser extent raise pigs and keep bees (12% each). Mixed animal units exist (50%) with between two and six species. More than 80% of farmers use their farm resources (pastures, natural fodder trees or crop by-products) to feed their animals. Even though self-consumption remains widespread (50% of responses), 80% of the farmers want to give a more economic orientation to their activities. The other responses (16%) concerned socio-cultural functions. Several ES are described and are discussed here at different levels (farm, territory, society). In conclusion, in the forested area of Guadeloupe, there is a potential for the development of efficient livestock farming using an agroecological approach. Complete mixed systems (tree-crop-livestock) should be promoted for the provision of multiple ES.
- Subjects
GUADELOUPE; ANIMAL culture; AGROFORESTRY; LIVESTOCK farms; LIVESTOCK development; LIVESTOCK; SWINE; RUMINANTS
- Publication
Agroforestry Systems, 2021, Vol 95, Issue 8, p1445
- ISSN
0167-4366
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10457-021-00651-5