This study is part of an ODA (Overseas Development Administration) funded adaptive research project. A socio-economic survey was carried out in Goucun and Changqiao villages, Chengwu County, Shandong Province, China in May 1994.
The paper includes a description of rural conditions and the history of agroforestry development, and outlines differences between the pre-1978 "collectivised" agricultural system and the current "Individual Responsibility System". Results showed that land resources are very limited to the increasing population. There is about 0.1 ha land per capita, formed in rectangular strips in a family unit with average 93 m length and 10 m width. 92.4% and 87.7% of the total arable land are used for the "survival food" winter wheat, in Goucun and Changqiao, respectively. All annual crops give a low profit, especially cotton, which can give a negative net income. The current stock values are: 6.6% : 34.1% : 59.2% and 7.4% : 19.9% : 69.4% for livestock : annual crops : trees, whilst Paulownia intercropping accounted for 50.4% and 43.5% of total current tree income and 40.8% and 46.5% of total land, in Goucun and Changqiao, respectively.
Paulownia agroforestry is still accepted by local authorities and farmers as the key system to promote socio-economic development in Chengwu County. However, there is a serious contradiction between the enthusiasm of farmers for planting trees along narrow strips of land and the optimisation of understorey crop yield. Light modelling results from the ODA project will help decisionmaking in local authorities, solving disputes among farmers, whilst helping farmers obtain the maximum wheat yields and essential income from Paulownia timber. Through the selection of shade tolerant crops, farmers will have sustainable short term income and increased productivity of Paulownia intercropping systems.
Correspondence: Yunying Wu, Silsoe College, Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedford MK5 4DT, UK
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