New Farming Systems Development in the Wetter Tropics

Abstract

SUMMARY Farming systems in the wetter tropics may be divided into three simplified models: the irrigated paddy-rice multistorey homestead garden complex of Asia, the tree and cash crop plantations of Latin America, and the mixed root crop-bush fallow systems of Africa. In upland ecosystems, sustainable farming systems development rests on a delicate balance between conservation and utilization. To meet the basic food and nutritional needs of the indigenous population, there is great potential for the improvement and adaptation of multistorey homestead gardens and mixed systems which include trees and annual and perennial crops. The principle and practice of ‘alley cropping’ provide an ecologically sound basis for future farming systems research and development in the region.