3.2.2 Variables assessed in reviewed projects
The potential problems related to evaluating agroforestry technologies are
reflected in the types of information collected by the reviewed projects
(Table 2).
The majority of projects evaluated the biological performance of multipurpose
trees (MPTs) in terms of tree survival and growth. Other biological
aspects, e.g. the condition of planted trees, pest and disease problems, their
site adaptability or growth characteristics were assessed by relatively few
projects. It appears that tree survival, generally determined between one
month and one year after planting, is considered to be the main indicator of
tree performance. Often, it is also regarded as a measure of farmer interest
in tree species by linking survival with care and maintenance of seedlings.