Decisions on change of tree cover in rio Frio, Costa Rica

Abstract

This study was carried out in Rio Frio, Costa Rica in order to identify the factors and desicion of farmers that affect directly or indirectly farm tree cover. The decisions were modeled and simulated in the software Netica 2.6. The event of greatest impact in reducing tree cover in the landscape is control weeds, as farmers increasingly engaged in this activity are more likely to eliminate non-timber trees and retain the timber trees. As a major factor in the area to increase tree cover is the planting of live posts. Although at present there are few farmers who establish new living fences, the activity of replacing live posts or fallen into disrepair is most common in the region. The decision to establish live fences depend on the availability of stakes on the farm, and very few farmers play an important role in the availability of money to buy poles dead, they believe that the dead posts require less maintenance costs that the living fences.