Rubber agroforestry is the integration of high-value trees, arable crops and animals into rubber plantations. The system makes maximum use of resources, and serves as a source of revenue for farmers, especially during the gestation period of rubber. The Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) in partnership with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), developed and tested the rubber/arable crop intercropping systems during the immature phase and rubber/shade-tolerant crops after canopy closure. Other systems include rubber/high-value fruit trees and mature rubber/mini-livestock systems. These technologies were established on model smallholder farms in Nigeria. Evidence showed that smallholders gained early and improved returns on their investment. Therefore, the system is a sure way of reducing rural poverty, generating employment and in the long run, could revive the dormant tyre-manufacturing sector in Nigeria.
Publication year
2014
Authors
Esekhade T; Okore K; Idoko O S; Mesike S; Ubani S; Asaah, E.K.
Language
English
Keywords
agricultural economics, farming systems, household food security, productivity, rubber agroforestry
Geographic
Nigeria
