Smallholder Tree Growing in South and Southeast Asia

Abstract

This chapter sketches the context of this book. It addresses the questions why we focus on smallholder tree growing and why we discuss the Philippines as main case study country. Relevant background information related to the afore- mentioned questions is given, including a historical sketch on smallholder forest management and the development of concepts on smallholder tree growing in South and Southeast Asia, a review of farmers’ motivations and other controlling factors affecting tree growing activities, and a discussion on the need for sustain- able land use and, related to this, recognition of farmers’ potential to produce wood and provide other forest benefits and ecological services. The chapter ends with an overview of the different sections under which the various chapters in this book have been arranged.