Author(s): LACERDA, A. E. B. de

Summary: Despite the socioeconomic importance of erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) traditional agro-forestry production for family agriculture in Southern Brazil, there has been no systematization of forest management best practices aiming at long-term sustainability. Here, I present an analysis of relevant forest characteristics that are combined with restoration and management best practices to maintain not only sustainable traditional erva-mate production but also a healthy forest environment. Additionally, I developed a framework that offers an easy tool to apply a focused analysis of general forest attributes to help determine best practices for forest restoration, species diversification, and overall sustainability and health of agroforestry systems. This study also demonstrates that the integration of knowledge and practices that small-scale farmers and traditional communities have been developing for generations should be leveraged for more inclusive research and extension, especially considering the threats family farming is facing due to the dominant paradigm of conventional, one-size-fits-all agriculture.

Publication year: 2023

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Forestry

Keywords: Agro floresta, Agroforestry, Agrossilvicultura, Conhecimento tradicional, Ecology, Forest management, Forest restoration, Manejo, Manejo florestal, Natural regeneration, Regeneração Natural, Restauração florestal, Traditional ecological knowledge, Traditional knowledge