Aquaculture for diversification of small farms within forest buffer zone management: an example from the uplands of Quirino Province, Philippines.

Upland farming systems can have severe negative effects through intensified slash-and-burn activities, erosion-enhancing farm practices on moderate to steep slopes, and further encroachment into forest areas. ICLARM studied, in a 2-year applied research activity, opportunities for the improvement of existing pond management practices in an upland forest buffer zone environment, mainly through integration with other farm enterprises and through the introduction of polyculture. This chapter presents the results of aquaculture integration and production which are discussed in relation to farmer perceptions, other enterprises on the farm, opportunities for nutrient recycling, and in the broader context of sustainable natural resource management.