Table 2.
Cattle ranchers’ preferred types of trees to plant on the farm, and list of “Other” desirable traits mentioned. Extension agents’ responses reflect an estimate of the trees most frequently planted or requested by their group of ranchers. For (a) n = 88 ranchers, 96 extension agents. Items in (b) are traits free-listed by respondents under “other”
| Ranchers | Extension agents | |
|---|---|---|
| a. Preferred types of trees to plant | ||
| Timber trees | 82% | 97% |
| Rapid growth trees | 75% | 97% |
| Native trees | 74% | 81% |
| Nitrogen fixing trees | 71% | 73% |
| Attract wildlife trees | 64% | 60% |
| Good shade for cattle trees | 59% | 47% |
| Fruit trees | 55% | 60% |
| Flowering trees | 46% | 33% |
| b. Other traits favored by ranchers when selecting trees | ||
| Flowers that attract pollinators | Small leaves for optimal shade | |
| Rapidly decomposing litter | Quick to regenerate or re-sprout | |
| High survival rate after planting | Grow in arid or eroded areas | |
| Exotic trees | Endangered species | |
| Good as windbreaks | Good for the environment | |
| Deciduous trees | Good for shading coffee | |
| Trees provided to me | A mix of different trees | |