Small-Scale Rubber Planting for Enhancement of People's Livelihoods: A Comparative Study in Three South Asian Countries

摘要: South Asian upland cultivators are transitioning from subsistence production to commercial using mainly small-scale rubber cultivation, which helps this transition and reduces poverty. This study, conducted October 2007 through February 2009, examines how planting enhances people's livelihoods. Data were gathered Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka. We found differences in tree stock, growth, management, livelihood impact. Plantations India Lanka doing well, while Bangladesh stock was low. Strong institutional support, proper silvicultural practices, funding for plantation maintenance, participant awareness of benefits contributed satisfactory conditions Lanka, where participants realized good earnings tapping, Bangladeshi earned little. Because monoculture plantations present risks, should practice mixed cropping. Rubber agroforestry can be the best alternative to...