Meghan M. McGinty

Research

Although we understand that there is a correlation between land tenure, tree ownership, tree sapling suppliers, ethnobotanical knowledge and how farmers manage shade agroforestry systems, these relationships are very dynamic and merit further clarification. Research that explores the various facets of resource rights and tree seedling sources and how they shape the agroforestry systems that depend on native forest tree diversity can provide insight into the processes of native tree management and foster conservation of native tree management. If we are to rely on agricultural practices as tools for the conservation of biological diversity, we need to better understand the drivers of practices that favor the conservation of native forest tree management in agroforestry. To this end, my research examines agroforestry practices in a fragmented landscape of high conservation value, the Coastal Atlantic Forest Corridor (CCMA) in Bahia, Brazil. Specifically my resarch addresses the following questions:

• What are the characteristics and practices of agroforestry systems in the region?
• How do land tenure and tree ownership affect the choice and management of native forest tree diversity in the agroforestry systems?
• How do native forest tree seedling sources influence native forest tree management?

My research is conducted in collaboration with two Brazilian NGOs involved in the CCMA: the Institute of Social and Environmental Studies of Southern Bahia (IESB) and Floresta Viva. Please click here for a map of the CCMA or here for more info about the CCMA

Publications