Local knowledge regarding trade-offs among coffee productivity and other ecosystem services in a range of different agroforestry systems in Central America

摘要: This thesis gathers and analyses the local knowledge regarding ecosystem services in coffee producing regions of Costa Rica, Guatemala Nicaragua, compares this across a range farming conditions. The extent to which agroforestry systems provide depends on context management practices. There is paucity information about how why farmers manage their plantations way that they do underpins this. present research growing areas bordering key forest reserves Rica Guatemala. Knowledge was acquired from 99 stratified purposive sample, using established based methods. Farmers all three countries had detailed trees affected such as soil formation, erosion control, provision wildlife habitat water conservation. A total 135 tree species were mentioned by farmers. Links between biodiversity, pollination, biological pest control micro-climate regulation understood classified according role both provisioning regulating services. Trees said produce ‘fresh’ shade suitable for or ‘hot’ not suitable. concept widely used countries; howerer, any technician uses it. Fresh – hot dichotomy explained relation leaf texture size; foliage density, crown shape root system attributes; well classification ecosystems functions formation.Much could improve services, however, practically applied because concerned increasing levels would decrease yields. variety maintained at sites but few dominant. degree tolerated main difference strongly related socio-economic factors prevailing demand fuel wood. Applicable determine locally identified.