Benefits and Techniques of Agroforestry A guide to small-scale forest farming as a sustainable, supplemental income for locals living in the national parks of the Prokletije / BjeshkĂŤt e Nemuna Mountains of the Balkans region. Lilli Rudolf, Ohio University
Table of Contents
I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII.
Introduction Foraging of Wild Herbs in the Parks Region Agroforestry as a Sustainable Source of Income Ecological Benefits Basic Techniques Products and Marketing Strategies References
Introduction The wild medicinal and culinary herbs available in the Prokletije / BjeshkÍt e Nemuna Mountains in the Balkans region are an incredibly important resource for locals in the area. They play a large part in the cuisine of individual families, in traditional medicinal treatments/remedies and can be a source of revenue. They have been searched for and harvested for as long as there were people in the region. According to the American Botanical Council, Three of the top 15 bestselling herbs on world markets are wild-harvested in Montenegro, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L., Clusiaceae), valerian (Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianaceae), and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae). The increased amount of foraging in the recent past has caused a decline in wild populations of popular herbs. If the numbers continue to decrease it will negatively impact the ecosystem, lowering biodiversity and removing an important food source for animals as well as depriving local communities that rely heavily on them. Agroforestry is a type of agriculture in which shade tolerant species, typically herbs or mushrooms that already thrive in the region, are cultivated within an established forest. Adaption of these practices would remove some harvest pressure from wild populations while providing an ecologically sustainable income for locals.
Foraging of Wild Herbs in the Parks Region Foraging for wild herbs and other non timber forest products is common in rural communities However, the continued gathering and foraging of wild herbs has endangered some species. There is little enforced regulation of foraging, though there are some outlines of acceptable foraging in the decree On the Administration of Protected Areas, which was created in 2003. According to article 4, different zones have different regulations. The traditional-use zone, including zones around villages such as Theth allow locals to harvest firewood and non timber forest products (i.e. herbs and mushrooms).
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L., Clusiaceae)
Agroforestry as a Sustainable Source of Income Forest farming can be operated on a very small scale by locals and provide supplemental income. Along with providing the herb itself, agroforestry can encourage better upkeep of trees and improve forest health and timber sources for the surrounding people. The crop can be used for the culinary and medicinal purposes of the farmer’s family and their community. Value-added products, ranging from tea mixes to herbal soaps, could be marketed to tourists visiting the parks region. Forest farming could also reduce reliance on more ecologically damaging livelihoods including logging and traditional farming
Oregano, Origanum vulgare
Basic Techniques Agroforestry is lower maintenance than traditional farming techniques. There is no need to completely clear an area in order to farm it. The trees may require some pruning to manage shade amounts and weeding may be necessary, but the trees and other plants will shelter the crop from harsh winds, rain and sun exposure as well as retain more moisture. All cultivated plants would have to be native to the area so as not to endanger other species or risk invasion. Herbs would be planted in areas similar to their prefered habitat, with similar shade, soil type and exposure. Locals can already grow native crops on their privatelyowned forest land, however gaining permission from park management for the cultivation of herbs on public land in Traditional or Sustainable-use Zones could greatly increase their yield and income. Management and limitation of how much of a zone could be cultivated would be necessary to prevent monocultures that weaken ecosystems. Typically though, the upkeep and care that is paired with forest farming improves the health of the forest as trees are pruned slightly, diseased plants are removed and the soil is enriched by compost/manure.
Value-added Products and Marketing Selling directly to the consumer typically allows the farmer to receive the full value for their product. Value-added products made from cultivated herbs involves the processing of herbs increases market price. Products can be sold to tourists staying or visiting a region on a small scale. These products can even be transported into a larger city to be sold at markets, as many former rural-living consumers attach cultural value to herbal products and seek to purchase them. The advertisement of merchandise as local, traditional products that have lower impacts on the ecosystem and aren’t depleting wild herb populations would increase their value towards ecologically conscientious tourists. There are vast possibilities as to what products locals could make using cultivated herbs to increase value. For example, the traditional oregano tea has cultural importance that could make it especially marketable to tourists. Locals that provide home stays for ecotourists could sell the tea mix that they served in their home. Other products could include scented soaps, essential oils, and scented candles.
References ●
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Barlow, Becky. Filyaw, Tanner. Workman, Sarah. “Agroforestry Notes: Non-timber Forest Products and Forest Stewardship Plans,” Natural Forestry Center, 2015. Becker, Brian. “Integration of Medicinal and Culinary Herbs in an Agroforestry Combination on St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands,” UF, 2004. “Feasibility Study on establishing a transboundary protected area: Prokletije / Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains,” UNEP Vienna ISCC, 2010. “The How, What and Why of Forest Farming,” Cornell Cooperative Extension, 2006.