@article {50011,
	title = {Changing human-ecological relationships and drivers using the Quesungual Agroforestry System in western Honduras},
	journal = {Renewable Agriculture and Food System},
	year = {2010},
	month = {07/2008},
	pages = {1-9},
	chapter = {1},
	abstract = {The development of sustainable agricultural production systems in the tropics is challenging in part because the local and external conditions that affect sustainability are constantly in flux. The Quesungual Agroforestry System (QSMAS) was developed in response to these changing conditions. The history and potential future of the QSMAS provide an opportunity to consider the factors that are affecting small-scale agricultural production systems on marginal lands throughout the world. In this paper we report the results of an analysis of the sustainability of the QSMAS using the five principles of the Drylands Development Paradigm (DDP) for three periods: pre-QSMAS, QSMAS adoption and the future. The analysis from the first two periods provides lessons that can be extended to other regions. The system must continue to evolve, however, if the long-term benefits of the system are to be conserved. Finally, we concluded that while the DDP was a useful framework for systematically identifying the critical drivers and processes that determine the sustainability of QSMAS, it is ultimately no more able to predict the future than the collective knowledge of those who choose to apply it. It can, however, facilitate the integration and application of this knowledge.},
	keywords = {QSMAS, sustainable},
	doi = {10.1017/S1742170510000074},
	url = {/files/bibliography/10-018.pdf},
	author = {M. Ayarza and E. Huber-Sannwald and Jeffrey E. Herrick and J. F. Reynolds and Garcia-Barrios, L. and Welchez, L.A. and Lentes, P. and Pavon, J. and Morales, J.}
}
@conference {50407,
	title = {A case study of land degradation linking biophysical and socioeconomic aspects of agroecological production systems in southern Honduras},
	booktitle = {Global Environmental Change: Regional Challenges. An Earth System Science Partnership, Open Science Conference},
	year = {2006},
	month = {November 9, 2006},
	pages = {661},
	address = {Beijing, China},
	abstract = {The Dahlem Desertification Protocol (DDP) was developed to analyze interrelationships within coupled human-environment systems. In this study, we apply the DDP to humid systems through an evaluation of an innovative agroecological production system in the mountains of southern Honduras, where seasonal droughts, tillage and crop residue removal have resulted in increased runoff and erosion. The agricultural land degradation found here is typical of that throughout Latin America. The Quesungual Slash and Mulch Agroforestry System (QSMAS) system is based on the management of dispersed native trees in cropped fields through pruning. Competition is minimized while crop residues are retained, promoting soil moisture and fertility conservation. Annual crops are planted on unburned fields with zero tillage. This system enables farmers to increase yields and reduce labor inputs associated with weed control. In addition, the widespread adoption of QSMAS is associated with strong participation of local communities in the development of the system and the implementation of local policies to avoid use of fire for agricultural purposes. We report the results of a recent ARIDnet workshop in which the QSMAS approach was examined in the context of the DDP. We concluded that currently application of QSMAS by more than 6,000 farmer households effectively addresses many of the socioeconomic and biophysical drivers associated with land degradation in this region. However, the analysis also indicated that further modification of the system will be required to extend it to other regions, and to address continuing changes in socioeconomic drivers.},
	keywords = {agroecological, Dahlem, DDP, Honduras, land degradation, socioeconomic},
	author = {M. Ayarza and Jeffrey E. Herrick and E. Huber-Sannwald and J. F. Reynolds}
}
