 |
• The Center for Subtropical Agroforestry • School of Forest Resources and Conservation • |
||
|
CSTAF Inaugurates Four-Year Program CSTAF Advisory Council Guides Research Profile: Rudy Garber, Agroforester Agroforestry
Briefs: The
Center for Subtropical Agroforestry
|
Survey Results to Guide CSTAF Programs
CSTAF is conducting a survey of landowners and natural resource professionals in Florida, southern Georgia and southern Alabama to determine their knowledge of and interest in agroforestry as well as the agroforestry practices in use. CSTAF will use the information to focus its research and extension programs to assist landowners in adopting agroforestry practices. The survey involves landowners from select counties in each state and county professionals from all counties in the region. The sampling of landowners was drawn from the tax base of agricultural and forestry exemptions. Questions for landowners explore the following topics: • their concerns about intentionally using trees with crops or livestock and the benefits they expect to gain, • use of terms and practices common in agroforestry, • their current production system, • their interest in agroforestry, as well as their interest in getting involved in practice groups or demonstrations on agroforestry. Questions for county agents explore the following topics: • their familiarity with agroforestry practices and terms, • the perceived benefits, constraints, and resources of agroforestry, • the availability of training materials and information on agroforestry, and • their knowledge of agroforestry and motivation to encourage its use. Responses to the agroforestry survey were coming back to CSTAF within a week after the first mailing. Natural-resource professionals are overall interested in learning more about agroforestry practices and providing information to their clients. CSTAF plans to have results from the professional survey analyzed by the end of August. The agroforestry survey for landowners will be sent out later and to a larger number of people. Those results should be available in October. The information will be used to prioritize topics based on the potential for success and to determine what training materials and programs to develop. Insights into constraints and benefits will be incorporated into the design of materials. The extension materials will provide information to landowners and professionals about how to implement successful agroforestry practices. Suggestions and references made by survey respondents will help in forming the group of landowners that will participate in the network of demonstration sites. With the participation of natural resource professionals and landowners and the contribution of their ideas along with their preferences, CSTAF personnel anticipate the agroforestry extension program and demonstration sites will have a foundation based on a realistic appraisal of current practices in the region. Thanks to everyone who responded! With this foundation, CSTAF can effectively support and serve the people who produce our food and fiber. The results then will be shown in improved economic diversity and environmental benefits for our communities. |
