Land degradation processes in Portugal: farmers' perceptions of the application of European agroforestry programmes

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of European Union (EU) agroforestry programmes in reversing land degradation processes in the Mação region of central Portugal. Since the 1980s, the region has experienced severe forest fires, which have had serious consequences for the local ecosystem in terms of land degradation processes and changes in the hydrological cycle.In an attempt to reverse this situation, agroforestry programmes and aid schemes have been introduced to improve land management practices and increase the forest area and stabilize soil. However, evaluations of the environmental, economic and social impacts of these schemes have been limited. This paper considers the effectiveness of agroforestry programmes from the perspectives of farmers in the area, as revealed by a detailed survey of land users' perceptions of these measures. The paper also reflects on the implications for current and future policy. The results suggest that present assistance regimes may be insufficient to ensure adequate forest management in the future. A new approach to forest management is proposed involving greater cooperation among local farmers, diversification of species in new afforestation and the establishment of demonstration projects.

Changes in land-use and their impact on erosion rates and overland flow generation in the Maghreb region

“…The résultant increase in soil érosion and land dégradation has been reported by LAOUINA (1990LAOUINA ( , 1998, LAOUINA et al (1993), HAMZA (1994), andCOELHO et al (2002), including in the worst case scénario: the formation of gullies (LAOUINA ef al., 1993) and "badlands". This dégradation is a direct resuit of the abandonment of the traditional, more conservative, land management practices (LAOUINA ef a/., 1993).…”

“…De ces changements d'usage de sol résultent une augmentation de l'érosion du sol et la dégradation des terres, comme décrit par LAOUINA (1990LAOUINA ( , 1998, LAOUINA et al (1993), HAMZA (1994), et COELHO et al (2002, menant pour les cas extrêmes à la formation de ravines et de « badlands ». La dégradation des terres peut souvent être considérée comme le résultat direct de l'abandon des pratiques traditionnelles de gestion durable (LAOUINA et al, 1993).…”

“…Agriculture and overgrazing produce major changes in soil superficial structure, with significant variations in soil compaction, shear stress, organic matter content, percentage of litter and végétation cover, that ultimately affect soil wetting patterns, overland flow production and érosion rates (COELHO et al, 2002). The social, économie and environmental implications of such changes can be serious (CARVALHO ef al., 2002), particularly since the Northern Africa rural population is increasing steadily.…”

Esboço de definição de climatopos no espaço urbano e periurbano de Mangualde (Portugal). Aplicação ao ordenamento urbano

“…Correlações, erro padrão estimado e equação da regressão múltipla para a área total ardida (em ha) registadas nas últimas 3 décadas (Vélez, 1993;Moreno e OeChel, 1995;Moreno et al 1998;Romero-CalCerraDa, 2008 1995;Moreno, 1998;Carvalho et al, 2002;moreira et al, 2011). Por outro lado, a florestação dos espaços devolutos, focada em espécies altamente combustíveis, principalmente eucalipto (Eucalyptus globulus) e pinheiro bravo (Pinus pinaster), também terá favorecido a proliferação de incêndios florestas nestas últimas décadas (ShakeSBy et al, 1996).…”

Soil Erosion Under Different Land Use and Cover Types in a Marginal Area of Portugal

“…wood is the characteristic autochthonous vegetation in the study area. The unmanaged accumulation of large quantities of fuel has led to a dramatic increase in forest fires and burnt areas (Carvalho et al 2002), and therefore to difficulties with Quercus regeneration. Fig.…”