Reports on the situation in communities in three different countries where MPTs are being actively promoted: Honduras, where many MPT species are within their native range; Malawi, where a number of exotic MPTs have been recently introduced; and Sri Lanka, where some exotic MPTs such as Gliricidia sepium have been in use for a long time.

Describes how 'improved' MPT germplasm is incorporated into existing farming systems, and the broad patterns of exchange and use of indigenous and new tree germplasm within the case study communities.

A number of problems are highlighted; the aim is that these findings will provoke further research in this area so that the relevance of current MPT improvement work to small-farm communities can be further enhanced.