Structure and dynamics of coconut-based agroforesty systems in Melanesia : a case study from the Vauatu archipelago

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera)-based agroforestry systems hold promise as a sustainableland use activity in the Melanesian islands, where food dependency on foreign sources andland shortages are increasing drarnatically. This chapter describes the dynamics of thesesmallholder production systems in the Malo Island of northern Vanuatu (Melanesia), where adual economy operates in which resources are dedicated to both subsistence and commercialproduction. The floristic elements found in the coconut plantations were typical of thosedescribed in the hurnid tropical homegardens elsewhere, with an average of 12 tree speciesper plot. Mean Shannon Weaver index was 1.57 with the vertical profile of vegetation havingone-to-five strata. Although the coconut palrns dorninate these production systems, in certaincases other trees may dominate it. Situations in coconut plots evolve throughout thedevelopment phase of the palms. Based on that, five types of smallholder coconut-basedagroforestry systems were recognized, which falls into two main evolutionary patterns: (1) aperennial occupation of the cultivated land by coconut trees, because of coconut replanting,and (2) a gradua1 return to tree fallow in which the coconut palms gradually disappearbecause of changes in the complex multistrata vegetation