Trees in pastures: local knowledge, management, and motives in tropical Veracruz, Mexico

Agriculture and extensive cattle ranching have been leading causes of deforestation in the rainforests of the Mexican tropics. In the municipality of Jesus Carranza, Veracruz, extensive cattle ranching became the primary activity and income source about 50 years ago, subsequent to forest clearing for agriculture 20 years earlier. However, remnant and newly planted trees are part of the landscape, both within pastures for shade, and in living fences. This study documents local knowledge on tree utility, combined with an analysis of management practices in pastures. It evaluates the reasons given by usufruct rights holders, ejidatarios, to retain or plant trees in their pastures. The data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and participatory workshops from 35 ejidatarios in two villages. The main reasons given for maintaining trees were for shade, firewood, timber, and fruits. Some also mentioned conservation as an objective on its own. The members of the more well-to-do ejido emphasized the ease of tree propagation as a main rationale for tree maintenance, whereas the less well-off ejido members thought timber value was an important criterion. All ejidatarios were interested in having trees for their environmental, social, and economic benefits, and were influenced by outside information on conservation issues. This change in attitudes represents an opportunity for increased experimentation with silvopastoral systems.