Agroforestry in the northern Mexican drylands: A case study from Durango.

Abstract

Interviews with farmers and field reconnaissance were used to conduct an exploratory survey of agroforestry systems in the drylands of Durango, Northern Mexico. The degree of integration of trees and woody products into the farming systems of three rural communities is described. Two main types of agroforestry systems were identified: agrisilvicultural systems, represented by the combination of indigenous trees and food crops in the rainfed farms, and of fruit trees and annual crops in the irrigated fields; and silvopastoral systems, found in the natural grazing areas, where livestock production is supported by herbaceous and woody forage. The main uses of the woody resources appear to be uniform across the farmers' population considered and related to common interests and cultural background.