Agroforestry species of the Bolivian Andes: an integrated assessment of ecological, economic and socio-cultural plant values
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In: Agroforestry Systems, Vol. 86, No. 1, 09.2012, p. 1-16.
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Agroforestry species of the Bolivian Andes
T2 - an integrated assessment of ecological, economic and socio-cultural plant values
AU - Brandt, Regine
AU - Zimmermann, Heike
AU - Hensen, Isabell
AU - Mariscal Castro, Juan Carlos
AU - Rist, Stephan
PY - 2012/9
Y1 - 2012/9
N2 - Agroforestry is a promising method for enhancing land-use sustainability in the Bolivian Andes. However, its benefits in terms of rural development are under-recognized due to gaps in understanding users’ perceptions while taking into consideration both local and global environmental goals. Our study aimed to narrow these gaps by developing an analytical framework for analyzing the site-specific socio-ecological factors and interactions related to local woody species and assessing their ecological, economic, and socio-cultural plant values in order to identify the most promising agroforestry species. The framework was then tested in an indigenous community at 2,760–3,830 m a.s.l., incorporating vegetation surveys, environmental studies, and interviews on plant functions. Ecological, economic, and socio-cultural values and the ecological apparency of plants were calculated, and detrended correspondence and principal component analyses helped to reveal the socio-ecological context of significant factors for plant distribution and uses. Results showed dominating seral woody species along an altitudinal gradient. Although shrubs were more ecologically apparent than trees, trees were perceived to be more valuable as the usefulness and cultural importance of species increased with plant height and timber availability. Phytosociological factors played a minor but still significant role in perceived usefulness. Schinus molle and Prosopis laevigata (<3,200 m a.s.l.), Polylepis subtusalbida (>3,200 m a.s.l.), and Baccharis dracunculifolia (both zones) were evaluated as most promising for agroforestry use. In conclusion, our analytical framework proved to be a valuable tool for context-specific agroforestry plant selection. Nonetheless, economic, technical, and socio-cultural limitations of cultivating native agroforestry species were revealed as well. Agroforestry science and practice should, therefore, focus on enhancing reproductive potentials of existing woody vegetation, as well as problem-oriented horizontal dialogues between indigenous, expert, and scientific actors.
AB - Agroforestry is a promising method for enhancing land-use sustainability in the Bolivian Andes. However, its benefits in terms of rural development are under-recognized due to gaps in understanding users’ perceptions while taking into consideration both local and global environmental goals. Our study aimed to narrow these gaps by developing an analytical framework for analyzing the site-specific socio-ecological factors and interactions related to local woody species and assessing their ecological, economic, and socio-cultural plant values in order to identify the most promising agroforestry species. The framework was then tested in an indigenous community at 2,760–3,830 m a.s.l., incorporating vegetation surveys, environmental studies, and interviews on plant functions. Ecological, economic, and socio-cultural values and the ecological apparency of plants were calculated, and detrended correspondence and principal component analyses helped to reveal the socio-ecological context of significant factors for plant distribution and uses. Results showed dominating seral woody species along an altitudinal gradient. Although shrubs were more ecologically apparent than trees, trees were perceived to be more valuable as the usefulness and cultural importance of species increased with plant height and timber availability. Phytosociological factors played a minor but still significant role in perceived usefulness. Schinus molle and Prosopis laevigata (<3,200 m a.s.l.), Polylepis subtusalbida (>3,200 m a.s.l.), and Baccharis dracunculifolia (both zones) were evaluated as most promising for agroforestry use. In conclusion, our analytical framework proved to be a valuable tool for context-specific agroforestry plant selection. Nonetheless, economic, technical, and socio-cultural limitations of cultivating native agroforestry species were revealed as well. Agroforestry science and practice should, therefore, focus on enhancing reproductive potentials of existing woody vegetation, as well as problem-oriented horizontal dialogues between indigenous, expert, and scientific actors.
KW - Biology
KW - Agroforestry
KW - Bolivian Andes
KW - Local Knowledge
KW - Native woody species
KW - Environmental planning
KW - Ecosystems Research
KW - Culture and Space
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84857745497&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10457-012-9503-y
DO - 10.1007/s10457-012-9503-y
M3 - Journal articles
VL - 86
SP - 1
EP - 16
JO - Agroforestry Systems
JF - Agroforestry Systems
SN - 0167-4366
IS - 1
ER -