A tree model for Hawkes Bay farmers' tree planting decisions

Abstract

This research report presents the results of a regional pilot study of farmers' decision making regarding trees on their farms. A review of both international and New Zealand literature shows that farmers have a variety of attitudes towards trees. New Zealand research has employed widely varied research methods and shows a number of motivations for tree planting. Using the ethnographic decision tree model approach developed by Gladwin (1989) the results of the research show four discrete decision trees for woodlot, shelterbelt, agroforestry and poplar or willow trees. Each decision tree contains elimination aspects, decision issues and constraints. Elimination criteria included beliefs about trees, knowledge about forestry and whether trees were already present. Decision issues typically involved assessment of the costs and benefits of trees, and the constraints included other forestry taking precedence, lack of time and lack of cash this financial year. The results suggest that economic factors play a significant part in farmers' decision making regarding planting trees even though financial returns from trees may not always be significant as a motivation to plant. The report describes the four decision trees in detail and discusses the findings in terms of the existing literature and strategies for promoting trees on farms.