Publications des agents du Cirad

Cirad

Conceptual modelling of the structure-function-services dynamics of tropical agroforests

Lamanda N., Wery J.. 2010. In : Wery Jacques (ed.), Shili-Touzi I. (ed.), Perrin A. (ed.). Proceedings of Agro 2010 : the XIth ESA Congress, August 29th - September 3rd, 2010, Montpellier, France. Montpellier : Agropolis international, p. 819-820. ESA Congress. 11, 2010-08-29/2010-09-03, Montpellier (France).

Agroforestry systems (SAF) in humid tropical areas are characterized by a high interspecific diversity and a multistrata structure of vegetation. These cropping systems are set up and managed on long time horizon (several decades), with a specific management of the various species in each field. The perennial crops (coffee-trees, cacao-trees, coconut) are the pivot of these SAF because they are the major sources of income for farmers. These systems are however the object of controversies; some regard them as not efficient on the basis of the yield of the perennial crop (Ruf. 2009), while others stress the importance of the environmental services which they provide (Montagini. 2005). To go beyond this controversy, quantified data on the production and environmental services provided by these systems are necessary. An abundant literature exists on these systems analysed with a disciplinary point of view (sociology, botany, ecophysiology, agronomy...). For the same discipline, like agronomy; studies generally focus on one scale, one stage or one component of the system. This knowledge is however difficult to integrate and one still does not have a systemic and shareable vision of SAF functioning and of the services provided in a given context. These systems also mobilize many experts and farmer's knowledge that must be integrated to build a common vision. This is important for assessment and improvement of the current SAF but also for the design of innovative SAF. In order to build this interdisciplinary vision we have developed a conceptual model of the relationships between structure, functions and services of these systems and of their dynamic during the life-time of the SAF. The definition of the model was based on a field survey in Guinea and it was further tested and improved with interview of a panel of experts having a disciplinary knowledge of these systems.

Mots-clés : agroforesterie; modèle; système de culture; coffea; guinée

Documents associés

Communication de congrès