ABSTRACT
Tropical Forests in Central America have traditionally supplied many different wood products. The majority of low income rural residents have relied on forests as a source of timber, fuel-wood, charcoal, poles for roundwood construction, stakes to support crops, fence posts, and fodder for farm animals. Agroforestry systems are designed for each farm which correspond not only to the ecology of the site, but also to the diverse objectives, restrictions, and needs felt by the farmers. The development of production options requires the definition of a “minimum set” of agroforestry systems which considers multiple use of trees as part of the integrated production plans for a farm. The technical feasibility of the proposed agroforestry systems are supported by silvicultural research carried out in Central America. Although the majority of the agroforestry systems show positive financial returns, indirect costs and benefits generated by these systems have yet to be accurately measured.
