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Multi-Story Plots & Agroforestry

SHI encourages biodiversity on the participating farms. A multi-story farm mimics a natural forest with an overstory of hardwood trees, for example, shading bananas, coffee and ginger - all of which thrive in the shade. The shade-loving crops flourish in this environment, while farmers greatly expand the overall productivity of their land.  SHI's local field trainers provide families with materials and training in techniques like pruning which can increase cacao and coffee production by as much as 70%.  If the market value of one of their crops drops, just as the coffee prices have in recent years, they still have their other crops to fall back on for family income. 

Studies have shown that more than 80% of bird species that have left forested areas are returning to these "multi-story" garden/forests which provide families with food and income and an important habitat for wildlife.
 

Photos Above: SHI farming family in Panama (left) in their multi-story forest plot; 
Example of a multi-story forest plot in Belize growing coffee, yellow ginger and mango.