Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn (ASB) in Peru: summary report and synthesis of phase 2

The conversion of primary forests to other land uses threatens biodiversity and releases gases into the atmosphere that are associated with global warming. Meanwhile, forest conversion can foster economic development of tropical countries and provides a viable livelihood for many smallholder farmers. Exports of high value timber are an impor tant source of foreign exchange. But logging roads provide access for human settlers to claim new lands and begin agricultural activities. Agricultural expansion, primarily by smallholders, is estimated to be the cause of at least 50 percent of the deforestation in tropi cal forests (Barraclough & Ghimire, 2000). Technology and policy options that can improve the productivity of land use systems and reduce deforestation exist, but the conditions and in stitutions required to achieve these goals are not well understood. If policy-makers wish to influence the rate of tropical deforestation in an effective and efficient manner, it is critical that they understand how policy interventions affect smallholder households and agricultural production and investment decisions. ASB research has quantified the environmental consequences resulting from different land uses and assessed how these consequences can be mitigated with appropriate technological, policy and institutional changes. Central to the research is an analysis of tradeoffs that arise among the different environmental, economic and social objectives. The research program implemented during ASB Phase II in Peru (1996-2003) includes the objective of better understanding how the Government of Peru, national and international research organizations and donor agencies can balance global environmental objectives with economic development and poverty reduction.

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