Developing Agroforestry in Seychelles
In Seychelles, a move of agricultural production from flat to hill areas is expected for the next years, bringing a risk of both a decrease in food production and degradation of the forests. A development of appropriate agroforestry systems, adapted to local land capacities and markets, is the most appropriate response to counter this trend, while providing a sustainable system of agricultural production based on soil conservation, ensuring food security, improving land use and environmental services, minimizing wildfire hazards and combating invasive species.
What did the project do
Existing laws and regulations were revised in order to eliminate existing barriers to agroforestry development, and to explicitly promote agroforestry systems and related techniques. Recommendations were also provided to facilitate the development of agroforestry in the country. Four pilot farms were developed, where the farmers learned to adopt new agroforestry models and techniques. The pilot farms showed that agroforestry development in Seychelles was feasible, which will contribute to the expansion of food production, soil conservation and the control of invasive species. As a result of the developed pilot farms, an exchange visit, training courses, and a workshop on business plan development for agroforestry development, the farmers greatly increased their capacity to manage production in agroforestry. A number of farmers also developed business plans for agroforestry development enterprises.Impact
The project had a positive environmental effect, and contributed to protecting forest land from degradation and invasive alien species. The expansion of food crop production in the forested land will help to boost production, and increase the incomes of farmers and processors. Extension officers took part in the training courses organized on agroforestry models and techniques, which facilitated the development of agroforestry on new plots for enhanced production, and contributed to increasing food security.Activities
- Existing laws, regulations and acts revised through participatory approaches, to facilitate the development of agroforestry.
- Four pilot farms developed on Mahe, and two on Praslin, with technical assistance of international and local consultants.
- Training in agroforestry models and techniques, and exchange visit to pilot farms organized for farmers, extension officers and forestry officers.
- Market survey conducted with farmers at market places, banks and hotels to identify market potential and challenges.
- Workshop organized for farmers and extension officers on market analysis and business plan development for agroforestry development, and other agricultural enterprises.
- Business plan developed for farmers for agroforestry products.
- Policy options note for agroforestry development in Seychelles developed and presented to Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Project title: Support to the development of appropriate agroforestry systems
Contact: FAO Office in Seychelles / Rene Czudek (Lead Technical Officer)
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/CA2334EN/ca2334en.pdf