Management of secondary tree species in agroforestry systems to improve production sustainability in Amazonian Ecuador

Three production systems (robusta coffee, cattle pastures and swidden agriculture), all associated with trees, have provided a strategy for regional development in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Feedback from more than 250 on-farm demonstrations, project evaluations and visitors have all contributed to strengthening the ability of the Ecuadorean Ministry of Agriculture's Forestry Directorate to provide colonists and indigenous groups with management guidelines for low-input sustainable agroforestry production. The existing market for 20 fastgrowing native tree species presents an opportunity for the diversification of farm income (currently dependent on robusta coffee) and for the development of a forest industrial base.