Adoption of intercropping among smallholder rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna,China

While the expansion of rubber plantations in the mountainous areas of Southern China has contributed to poverty reduction among the indigenous ethnic groups, the concerns about the associated negatives on ecosystems and sustainable development of livelihoods is rising. One of the measures suggested to reduce environmental and economic risks is rubber intercropping. This study uses cross-section data of some 600 rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna, as a basis to develop four empirical models in order to analyse adoption of intercropping at farm and at plot level. Our study shows that only a small proportion of rubber farmers have adopted intercropping, with tea being the most frequently adopted intercrop. However, we also find that intercropping is an important source of income for the household in the lower income category. Intercropping adoption is affected by ethnicity, household wealth and family labour. The choice of intercrops depends on the nature of rubber plots, the age of rubber trees and geography. This study contributes to a better understanding of the transformation path from rubber monoculture to more diversified, rubber-based agroforestry systems and thus can provide important information for agricultural extension services charged with the promotion of sustainable rubber-based livelihood systems in the Mekong area.