Crop seed protection and soil enrichment using Erythrophleum suaveolens.

In agroforestry projects careful planning and design of technologies is necessary because of the complex nature of agroforestry and the lack of proven technology ‘packages’. To identify appropriate methodologies, ICRAF conducted in 1988/89 a review of agroforestry technology monitoring and evaluation in 165 projects worldwide. Approximately half of the projects that responded to the review had carried out technology planning and design activities. The spectrum of information needs, which includes needs assessment, biophysical site description, agroforestry opportunities and existing information was inadequately covered by most projects. Statistically designed and questionnaire-based farmer surveys were favoured by projects although a range of more appropriate approaches and methods for technology planning and design exists. A planning approach is suggested that includes a pilot phase during which initial technology designs are developed and tested with farmers. Projects are encouraged to use more cost-effective, non-statistical methods. The authors recommend improvements to technology planning/design methods and identify training needs for project managers and extension staff.