Book chapter
Financial models of multi-species agroforestry systems in Fiji and Vanuatu
Promoting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to replace unproductive land use in Fiji and Vanuatu, pp.104-116
ACIAR Monograph, MN191, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
2016
Abstract
This paper brings together many of the considerations on multi-species agroforestry (MSA) examined in the above working papers. The complexities in designing MSA mixtures for particular settings are examined. Some parallels and differences are drawn between designs of mixed-species plantation systems that were adopted for rainforest cabinet timbers in tropical north Queensland and MSA systems for ACIAR project focus locations in Fiji and Vanuatu. It is demonstrated that for various reasons the design and financial analysis of MSA systems are much more complex than for mixed-species timber plantations; various biophysical and socioeconomic factors must be taken into consideration in designing coherent mixtures. In developing MSA system financial models for Fiji and Vanuatu, considerable effort was required to carry out species-site matching for priority tree species, determine technical aspects (such as site amelioration, species compatability, shading requirements and equipment needed), examine labour requirements and cash flows over time, and sketch field layout diagrams for species mixtures including the pattern of intercropping and how this would change over time. Finally, five MSA models which have a relatively high likelihood of being successful in Fiji and Vanuatu according to biological and financial criteria were identified and their rationales described. Detailed financial performance estimates for these models are provided in Working Paper 9 (Screenshots of multi-species financial models and explanatory notes). Also, financial performance has been estimated for eight priority tree and crop species not included in the MSA models, but available as modules for further agroforestry system designs. A table of financial performance for these eight species and interpretation of the findings is provided in Appendix A of this working paper. Calculations have been made in Fiji dollars per hectare of planted area. These species and estimated net present values, and land expectation values as a better criterion for comparison of species, are as follows: whitewood $5,418 ($6,898), vesi -$2,054 (-$2,153), flueggia $1,505 ($3,614), Polynesian chestnut $11,734 ($13,028), tropical almond $5,084 ($5,645), avocado $48,175 ($70,353), banana $43,337 ($163,556) and taro $20,160 ($97,785). The latter two species have particularly high labour requirements.
Details
- Title
- Financial models of multi-species agroforestry systems in Fiji and Vanuatu
- Authors
- Steve R Harrison (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and LawRobert Harrison (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Contributors
- Steve R Harrison (Editor)Md Saiful Karim (Editor)
- Publication details
- Promoting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to replace unproductive land use in Fiji and Vanuatu, pp.104-116
- Series
- ACIAR Monograph; MN191
- Publisher
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
- ISSN
- 1031-8194
- ISBN
- 9781925436617
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450683102621
- Output Type
- Book chapter
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