In the case of smallholdings, the problem of stabilized cropping systems based on rubber farming is tackled by the association of this crop with otherr crops found in the rural areas. Two types of inter-cropping were studied in this regard with a view to providing the farmer with : - family self sufficiency ; - eventually additional financial resources during the immaturity period; - diversification and stabilization of cropping systems. Concerning the temporary association of rubber with food crops, some interesting results were obtained at both the experimental station and in the field. Attempts were made to show that such practices are possible in the traditional areas without damage to the trees, subject to the condition that the economic impact is evaluated and that various problems, such as varieties and weeds, are controlled. The aim was to achieve stabilized rural agriculture with a long duration association in widely spaced rubber plantings but the expectation of arriving at a permanent association has become more and more limited. In this area, recent studies do not provide any final conclusions though preliminary results are promising.