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It helps to improve soil, fertility, soil structure, retain soil moisture, protecting the crops and increase crop yields.
Due to food shortages and increased climate threats, Tannis Thorlakson of Harvard’s Sustainability Science Program and Henry Neufeldt, head of climate change research at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) explored just how agroforestry can help reduce farmers’ vulnerability, using a farmer-managed agroforestry project developed by ICRAF and located in the Nyando District of western Kenya.
“The study compared two farmers involved in agroforestry development projects for two years and 4 years for neighbouring farmers without agroforestry training,” Says Tannis Thorlakson.
Farmers exercising agroforestry recorded an increase in dairy production, improved farm productivity, income diversification and environmental sustainability.
Here are discussed ways that agroforestry can help farmers adapt to climate change:
Improving dairy production
Farmers can grow calliandra trees used to feed their livestock since it increases yields in milk. Calliandra tree is a folder crop that has high amounts of proteins required by cattle for the production of quality milk. The tree is resistant to drought and leguminous compared to nappier grass often used as it will require adequate irrigation.
Women growing calliandra for fodder and soil fertility.
Improved farm productivity
Agroforestry will improve farm productivity by decreasing soil erosion, improving soil fertility and protecting the crops from strong winds and pests. These beneficial roles of trees will help increase crop yields.
Environmental sustainability
Agroforestry reduces flooding and soil erosion by increasing the infiltration of rainwater and recharging groundwater. This will reduce the depletion of groundwater used during irrigation. Trees provide a complete ground cover protect the soil from soil erosion and extreme temperatures. It contributes to carbon emissions reduction caused by deforestation.
Vegetables planted along with trees.
Income diversification
Farmers can get another source of income from incorporating trees in their farms.
Products such as latex rubber gloves, sponges, wine corks, chewing gum, car wax, hair dye and chocolate are made from trees.
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
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