@article {716, title = {Use of multipurpose trees in hill farming systems in Western Nepal}, journal = {Agroforestry Systems}, volume = {2}, year = {1984}, month = {September 1984}, pages = {187-197}, abstract = {

A large number of multipurpose trees and shrubs are deliberately retained or incorporated on farms in the subsistence farming systems on the steep slopes in parts of Nepal. Woody perennials are maintained in contour strips across the slopes and around the fields. The contribution of these trees is the production of foder and firewood and their protective function in reducing the erosion hazards and thereby making crop production possible in those steep slopes where profitable cropping would otherwise be extremely difficult. Based on a case study in two villages of the Western Development Region, this paper presents some data on basic farm management aspects, production of crops and other components, etc. of the system. The performance of the system is assessed and its merits and weakness highlighted.

Although the hill farming system extends over quite a large area and accounts for a large number of Nepal\&$\#$39;s population, it has not received any research attention nor benefitted by any scientific innovations. Improvement possibilities in terms of component technologies as well as farming systems including the incorporation of the several locally available medicinal plants are indicated. (author)

}, keywords = {agroforestry, erosion control, hill farming, medicinal plants, multipurpose trees, Nepal}, doi = {10.1007/BF00147033}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00147033}, author = {Peter F. Fonzen and Erich Oberholzer} } @book {364, title = {Man and tree in tropical Africa: Three essays on the role of trees in the African environment}, year = {1978}, month = {1978}, pages = {31}, publisher = {International Development Research Centre}, organization = {International Development Research Centre}, address = {Ottawa, ON, Canada}, abstract = {

Contains following essays:

The first paper examines, in general, the role of the tree in tropical Africa. Highlighted are the variety of products that can be obtained from the forests, the vital role of trees in nutrient cycling and in soil and water conservation, and their influence on both micro and macroclimate. The second essay addresses the ever important question of wood-fuel supplies. With increasing petroleum prices, greater demands than ever before are being placed on wood, and with decreasing supplies prices are rising. Wood-fuel shortages have led to a switch to other fuel sources such as manure and crop residues, which has in turn started a vicious circle of decreasing crop yields and environmental degradation. The final essay examines the age-old practice of shifting cultivation. Suggestions advanced here for tailoring new ideas to this traditional practice may well make it possible to modify or improve the system to meet modern realities. Methods involving zero tillage and the use of trees as \&$\#$39;nutrient pumps\&$\#$39; seem to offer particular promise in this regard.

}, keywords = {agroforestry, erosion control, fuelwood, soil erosion, soil fertility}, isbn = {0-88936-154-1; 978-0-88936-154-6}, url = {http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/5510947}, author = {Gunnar Poulsen} }