Economic outcomes of rubber-based agroforestry systems: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Abstract

A systematic review was conducted to examine expected economic outcomes of rubber-based agroforestry systems during mature rubber stage in comparison with monoculture rubber farming. Twelve studies were identified for a narrative synthesis of economic outcomes of the mature rubber production systems. The review found that whilst monoculture rubber production may produce higher income in some cases, particularly when rubber prices are high, profitable diversified rubber agroforestry systems were reported in all but one study. Rubber agroforestry has the potential to reduce the vulnerability of smallholders to volatile markets for rubber, particularly if the share of income from secondary species is substantial. Shade-tolerant crops with small canopies (e.g. coffee, bamboo and tea) are reported as ideal intercrops for rubber. Economically advantageous systems reported appeared to be rubber combined with species which provide additional income in the medium to long term (e.g. sheep and high value timber) and/or enhance ongoing cash flow with a lengthy productive lifespan and regular harvests (e.g. durian and gnetum). However, these systems are subject to many constraints such as labour availability, investment and management capacity and market conditions for secondary products. The review showed an absence of farm portfolio studies aimed at finding risk reducing enterprise combinations. Future research on economic outcomes of rubber agroforestry systems should firstly distinguish traditional jungle rubber from rubber agroforestry systems which use clonal rubber similar to those used in monoculture rubber, and secondly consider the full value of secondary products even if they are grown for own consumption.

Multi-Decadal Mapping and Climate Modelling Indicates Eastward Rubber Plantation Expansion in India

“…One previous study predicts that in the future, RPs may expand eastward due to higher energy availability and sufficient water availability [9]. On the other hand, the projected climate change may increase the risk of environmental marginality and lead to a reduction in yields in the western and southern regions [2]. Hazir et al [34] employed the Hevea 1.0 static model and reported that climate change positively impacted the rubber plantation potential of Malaysia due to rising temperature and precipitation.…”

“…Due to its economic importance, it is commercially cultivated in various parts of the world in warm and humid tropical regions, even in sub-optimal growth conditions. H. brasiliensis is mostly grown in monoculture, replacing the old and native species; intercropping with various shade-tolerant species has been found to be both environmentally and economically sustainable [2]. Effective rubber harvesting and management relies on the efficacy of latex production.…”

Economics of agroforestry: links between nature and society

“…Long term issues of agroforestry, and its economic profitability, strengthens relations between agrarian dynamics and especially agricultural public policies. Huang et al (2022) provide a systematic review examining narratives of economic outcomes of the mature rubber production systems. They found that monoculture rubber production may produce higher income in the short term especially when rubber prices are high.…”

Traditional oases in Northern Africa as multifunctional agroforestry systems: a systematic literature review of the provided Ecosystem Services and of the main vulnerabilities

“…The aim of this paper is to investigate the variety of ES that traditional oases in Northern Africa provides to local communities, as well as identifying the main threats affecting these agroforestry systems, through a systematic and complete literature review. Literature reviews are commonly used to assess the state of art of a certain topic and to identify perspectives and knowledge gaps (Conrad et al 2011;Huang et al 2022). The decision to focus on Northern Africa oases is due to the fact that there is the need to identify an area sharing common social and environmental features.…”