Agroforestry in Maré: the association of trees and crops with many benefits
Reintroducing hedges or trees into agricultural land is the whole objective of agroforestry. For this series, Nicolas PETIT took the photograph of the stamp revealing the fabulous work of Raynald Washetine at Maré, owner of one of the demonstration farms of the Protège program, funded by the European Union.
Agroforestry in New Caledonia
Agroforestry is an agricultural method that combines the planting of trees with crops or livestock on the same plot. The link between all these elements is mycorrhiza. It stems from the interaction between fungi and the roots of plants and trees, which makes it an important component of agroforestry. Unlike simple decorative or landscape use, trees and hedges are considered essential productive tools at the heart of the production system. They provide agronomic, economic and ecological benefits to agriculture.
Within the territory of New Caledonia, the forest has a crucial role to play as sentinels. The PROTEGE project represents an opportunity to build a sustainable Pacific dynamic around the forest and support local agroforestry. A network of thirteen demonstration farms has been set up from the Isle of Pines to Kaala-Gomen via Maré.
A project that has not escaped Nengone
As part of this principal training plan and individual support system, trainees were able to participate in this training course which allows the acquition of new knowledge in agriculture. Beyond that, this method makes it possible to pass through the traditional method which is more and more difficult to apply. Indeed, slash and burn, this most common method of agriculture, consists of burning a plot, then planting and starting again each year which in fact is a technique that impoverishes the land year after year. Agroforestry, on the other hand, works rather on the use of all the resources of each element to feed and protect itself.
