Forest Species with Agroforestry Potential in the Alto Mira and Frontera Community Council, in the Tumaco Municipality, Colombia

Abstract

The Colombian Pacific region, because of its geographical position and conditions, presents various agricultural production systems, among them, the agroforestry system, where producers have selected the most suitable species, taking into account the economic aspects, and environmental and social elements. First, forest species with agroforestry potential were identified in the Alto Mira and Frontera Community Council, in the Tumaco municipality. Then, 150 farms were selected, by criteria such as the agroforestry systems presence, the availability of their owners to provide information, and ease of access. In order to gather data, a semi-structured survey was implemented, and, through the Species Importance Coefficient (CIE), wood species with agroforestry potential were prioritized. This information was confronted with the community, through a participatory workshop. During this research process, it was discovered that the predominant system is the Theobroma cacao L. association with Musa paradisiaca L., Cocus nucifera L., Bactris gasipaes Kunth, fruit and wood. 14 timber species, used in different agroforestry practices, were identified, and, according to the CIE, three were prioritized. In order of importance, they are: Cedrela odorata L., Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pavón) Oken and Carapa guianensis Aubl. It was found that knowledge is varied, with a greater preference for forest species that represent an economic benefit.