Preferred Native Tree Species for Smallholder Forestry in Leyte

Abstract

This paper reports on the research experiences of students and faculty members at the College of Forestry of Leyte State University on smallholders’ preferred tree species for smallholder forestry in Leyte, Philippines. Results reveal that farmers have high preference for ‘premium’ native trees, i.e. those with high quality by-products and multiplicity of uses, both economic and ecological. High ratings were also recorded for three common exotic tree species, namely Gmelina, arborea, Swietenia macrophylla and Leucaena leucocephala. The smallholders’ desire to raise native trees, however, is inhibited by factors such as tenure security and insufficient knowledge and skills on propagation, management and protection. Other inhibiting factors include limited access to technical and other support services, and inadequate knowledge and understanding of government policies related to cultivation, harvesting and marketing of these trees.