Prospects for agroforestry in Vanuatu: findings from a survey

As part of ACIAR project ADP/2014/013, ‘Promoting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to replace unproductive land-use in Fiji and Vanuatu’, a small survey was conducted to explore smallholders’ attitudes to agroforestry in the villages of Epau and Etas on Efate Island in Vanuatu. Land areas of farmers were found to be small (not more than about 5 ha), and the lack of farming equipment was notable. Various food crops were grown, including citrus, vegetables and notably ‘sea cabbage’, and were sold locally and in Port Vila. Some integration of timber trees and food crops was noted, although no particular mixtures could be identified as favoured. Strong interest was found in growing whitewood and sandalwood, which are relatively short-rotation species with high-value timber. Major constraints to expansion of mixed-species agroforestry included lack of land, lack of finance, and concern about availability of markets for farmgrown produce. The lack of more than very basic tools and equipment, which would make tree planting and maintenance difficult, would also be a limitation. It would appear that even a small amount of assistance would encourage greater agroforestry adoption. Assistance measures identified as encouraging increased agroforestry included provision of finance, improved market access, access to more farming land, and funding for purchase of hand tools and other equipment (e.g. chainsaws), and fencing. Mention was also made of extension and provision of planting materials