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Agroforestry islands for enhancing connectivity among forest fragments in Sao Paulo, Brazil
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| Overview | Agroforestry in small settler farms in a very deforested landscape can enhance biological connectivity and gene flow among forest fragments. |
| Scale | field, subsistence farm, local region |
| Location | Teodoro Sampaio, Pontal do Paranapanema region, Sao Paulo, Brazil (22.4°S, 52.3°W) |
| Elevation | 150 - 600 meters |
| Climate | Humid mesothermal climate with a dry season in winter (Cwa) |
| Agricultural Region | Livestock ranching (B) |
| Population Density | 1-10 persons / square kilometer |
| Principle Crops | Maize (Zea mays L.), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Cassava (Monihot esculenta) and several tropical trees and crops |
| Domestic Animals | Dairy and Beef Cattle, and several others for subsistence |
| Soils | General: Ultisols (U4), Oxisols (O2) |
| Natural Vegetation | Semideciduous broadleaf tropical forests (S) |
| Ecoregion | Savanna province: seasonally semideciduous forest (Tr1) |
| Basic Principles addressed | Conserve Resources, Manage Ecological Relationships, Diversify, Manage Whole Systems, Maximize Long-Term Benefits |
| Page Author and Date | Flavio Bertin Gandara, from the project "Biodiversity islands as corridors for restoration of the fragmented landscape of Pontal do Paranapanema, Sao Paulo, Brazil", by IPE (Institute of Environmental Projects and Research - NGO) , USP (University of Sao Paulo), IF (Forestry Institute), MST (Landless Workers Movement) and COCAMP (Farmers Cooperative). 1999. |
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The westernmost region of Sao Paulo state has suffered a very intense deforestation since the 1950's, so that the region has less than 2% of it's original natural forests. However, there is still a big reserve (Morro do Diabo State Park, 35,000ha) surrounded by scattered forest fragments. Populations of plants and animals in these areas are endangered because of population reduction, isolation and selective logging. Among these fragments there are settlements of small farmers that belong to MST (Landless Workers Movement). In these farms (each around 15 ha in size), agroforestry is being stimulated to promote more connectivity among forest fragments and the reserve. Diversification of crops and other products like timber, firewood, and fruits is also being encouraged to reduce the pressure for forest resources from the fragments. Agroforestry islands are designed to function as stepping stones for the movement of pollinators, seed dispersers and other animals, contributing to the recolonization of degraded areas. |
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Farmers are accepting agroforestry systems quite well. However, as these settlers come from different parts of Brazil, they have different backgrounds about these systems and utilization of forest resources. They receive a one-day course about agroforestry systems and nurseries, and they plan their own systems according to their particular necessities and interests. In some cases, the systems have problems like the utilization of only a few tree species. Some tree species are very endangered in the region like: Hymenaea courbaril, Holocalyx balansae, Tabebuia avellanedae, Zeyhera tuberculosa, Sweetia fruticosa, Cedrela fissilis, Colubrina glandulosa. These species have only a few individuals in the fragments and, for this reason, they are a priority to be included in the agroforestry systems. These systems can contribute to biological conservation of many plants and animals, but other actions are also necessary, such as restoration of degraded areas and secondary forests. |
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Conserve Resources Systems using native tree species conserve genetic resources while also contributing to the conservation of soil fertility and structure. Manage Ecological Relationships Agroforestry islands work as stepping stones for the movement of pollinators and dispersers from one forest fragment to another, providing refugia and resources that can sustain ecological communities. Moreover, the utilization of native tree species improves conditions for beneficial animals. Diversify Agroforestry systems increase landscape diversity and the diversity of crop products. Manage Whole Systems Agroforestry within small farms can provide buffer zones around forests and connects forest fragments across larger landscapes promoting plant and animal movement at larger scales. Maximize Long-Term Benefits Agroforestry supports long term goals like genetic conservation of tropical tree species, wood production and soil fertility. |
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