Socio-economic considerations in the planning of agroforestry systems for the acid uplands of northern Vietnam

Deforestation has caused serious degradation of the acid soil uplands of north Vietnam. It is continuing and forest regeneration is inhibited by shifting cultivation necessary to grow food crops for an expanding population. There is a need to satisfy food security and produce timber while maintaining sustainability of the soil resource. Because environments, ethnic groups and farming methods are diverse, potentially sustainable systems must be developed specifically for each situation and there is now political pressure to find solutions. Socio-economic information was collected on the specific problems of several distinct ethnic farming groups as a basis for designing future research. It was found that: Dao people have a need to replace shifting cultivation with a system that could include agroforestry, food and medicinal crops, rattan, quality timber and livestock; H’mong people in a remote high altitude area require a new cash crop because of food deficits and pressure to cease opium production. Options include production of resin from pine plantations, cultivation of medicinal herbs, and improved home gardens. It was concluded that in, situations of ethnic diversity and a range of land uses, the acquisition of relevant socio-economic information should be the starting point in assessing research priorities for developing improved and sustainable management systems for the acid uplands.