The role of Inga alley-cropping in two of the five major components of the "Guama" (..or "8-hectare") Model in a sustainable, low-input rural livelihood for the humid tropics.

The first point that must be made is that the model is a flexible response to the individual family's needs and aspirations; it is not a rigid prescriptive formula.

The model reflects a demographic fact in Honduras  :  We are told that the average area of degraded (usually steeply sloping) land available to such a family for the purposes of slash-and-burn agriculture is about 8 hectares.  This, formerly forested land, will almost invariably, be covered in, at best, secondary scrub vegetation; more commonly, in fire-climax grassland.  It will be degraded in fertility and structure; and, because of its dominance by the perennial grasses, will be exceedingly hard to keep weed-free during crop growth.

Inga Foundation's current Projects in Honduras : February 2010 

a) 10-year programs for the implementation of the "Guama", or "8-hectare", Model with communities in two river catchments. Both areas are of critical conservation importance; both are in the buffer zones of Forest Reserves / National Parks. Both programs are implemented with partner NGOs.

1. The present logistical situation, in both project areas, is that we cannot satisfy present demand from farmers for Inga seed and Technical Assistance.