Participatory Survey and Tree Crop Preferences on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The number and size of farms in the US Virgin Islands (VI) have steadily declined since 1965 and only 6% of the land remains covered with natural forest or woodland (NASS 2001). Characterizing current production systems by direct observation and soliciting information directly from producers on St. Croix served to involve farmers in project formulation and began an active learning process as the basis for future activities. A participatory survey of farms and home gardens with producers to characterize species composition and geographic description of agriculture on St. Croix was made during the period April through June 2003. Two objectives of the project were to foster conservation of trees on farmland and promote enterprise development with nontimber products in collaboration with local institutions and producers. A geo-referenced (GPS) map point for each farm was also taken to compile with geographic information for the island of St. Croix. Additionally each interview included a walking transect with the producer to observe production practices and provide for informal discussion about land use. Based on survey results and data on soils, vegetation, land use, hydrology and further GIS analyses, a decision support system is under construction. The decision support system will be a useful tool for producers and professionals to determine viable planting sites for desired tree crop species. Project activities also include germplasm collection for native fruit tree domestication and planting to enhance biodiversity within the landscape.