The sustainable intensification of agroforestry in shifting cultivation areas of Bangladesh

Shifting cultivation is now considered a largely unsustainable type of agroecosystem because of declines in productivity that come with increasing population pressure, shortening of fallow periods and non-availability of alternative land. Efforts to promote the adoption of agroforestry to improve shifting cultivation systems have been increasing. Here, we discuss intensification of agroforestry in shifting cultivation areas of Bangladesh through community participation. Drawing on field data from a collaborative agroforestry research project implemented in Chittagong hill tracts (CHT), it describes the use of agroforestry development, its sustainability, the challenges and opportunities of agroforestry development. We worked with villagers in three para (hamlets) to develop a participatory approach to the development of agroforestry options. On the basis of a combination of participants’ preferences and expert opinion, crop combinations were selected and agri-horti-silvicultural agroforestry systems developed. These participants now cultivate agricultural crops continuously year-on-year on slopes formerly subject to shifting systems. The benefit-cost ratio for agricultural crops was 3:1. Seedlings are growing well and average survival rates at more than 70 %. More than 80 % participants are now interested in agroforestry, and 54 % desire to expand agroforestry to other areas. For the future development and promotion of agroforestry by tribal communities in the CHT, conclusions are drawn about modes of collaborative working with local partners.