Agroforestry on Small Landholdings in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was conducted in three sub-districts of Gazipur district in Bangladesh. It identified the diversity and distribution of tree species and which vegetable crops are grown beneath them, uses of different plants, to identify the problem faced by the farmers. Total of 43 tree plant species are used for fruit and timber were identified in the study area. Based on diversified uses, the major fruit species were jackfruit, mango and coconut. The major timber species were koroi (Albizia procera), raintree (Samanea saman), neem (Azadirachta indica), teak (Tectona grandis) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.). Total income was found to increase with increase of farm size. A large number of vegetables (32 species) are cultivated in the study area, largely for local consumption. The study showed that stem amaranthus, indian spinach, aroids, sweet gourd, chili pepper, turmeric, eggplant, and radish were grown under shade of jackfruit, mango, date palm, litchi, mahogany, and drumstick trees. The total income from trees in the last five years was higher in the large farm category than that in the tenant category. The major problems faced by the farmers in tree establishment were damage caused by animals which was reported by 68% of the respondents.