Agroforestry
Bare ground is vulnerable – Plant Trees and gain an income
What is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is the land management system where trees and shrubs are integrated into crop and animal farming systems to create economic, social and environmental benefits.
Agroforestry provides opportunities for landowners – both commercial and small-scale farmers, for better productivity and profitability but is particularly crucial to smallholder farmers and other rural groups because it enhance their food supply, income and health.
Agroforestry is farming in 3D
and it works because – trees above ground protect crops and animals against the elements and roots reach deep into the ground to cycle. Therefore, Agroforestry can solve many problems concerning intensive farming.
Benefits of Agroforestry
Protect soil, animals, crops, and homes from extreme weather
Improve water quality
Control runoff and soil erosion, thereby reducing loss of water, soil material, organic matter and nutrients
Create jobs and income
Produce products – new products add to the financial diversity and flexibility of the farming enterprise like fibre, bioenergy, wood, medicinal/botanical and floral products, etc.
Supports sustainable production of food
Improves pollinator habitat
Provide protection against wind – crops and livestock protected from the damaging effects of wind are more productive
A large, fairly fast-growing, evergreen tree, The wood is dark, hard, reddish brown and durable, suitable for furniture, flooring, panelling, and excellent for boat building, moderately heavy, with an attractive grain. Popular as a source of firewood and charcoal. Charcoal made from red mahogany wood has a long burning time with a gentle and steady heat. Red mahogany is perfect for using in integrated farming systems for crop production. Leaves and twig litter decomposition improve soil fertility and organic matter status of the soils that lead to an improvement in crop yield output.
Suitable to grow in most soil types, also tolerant of swampy soils. The wood weathers well and is resistant to borers and termites.
1 m tree K100
1.5 m tree K180
Black Mulberry tree
Very easy to grow, fruit is very nutritious with many medicinal properties and can be eaten fresh out of hand or to make jams, pies, tarts, puddings, Silvopasture, Leaves are highly palatable and digestible, an excellent protein-rich fodder for livestock and can be used as supplements replacing concentrates for dairy cattle, it increase milk production of lactating goats, cows, sheep and rabbits, and improve livestock productivity.
Full sun, will thrive in degraded soils but prefers compost-rich, well-drained soil, very drought tolerant, fast growing, resistant to all major pest and diseases.
1 m tree K100
White Mulberry tree
Very easy to grow, fruit is very nutritious with many medicinal properties and can be eaten fresh out of hand or to make jams, pies, tarts, puddings, Silvopasture, Leaves are highly palatable and digestible, an excellent protein-rich fodder for livestock and can be used as supplements replacing concentrates for dairy cattle, it increase milk production of lactating goats, cows, sheep and rabbits, and improve livestock productivity.
Full sun, will thrive in degraded soils but prefers compost-rich, well-drained soil, very drought tolerant, fast growing, resistant to all major pest and diseases.
1 m tree K100
Ochroma pyramidale (Balsa Tree)
Balsa is a pioneer species that thrives on abandoned land, recommended for the recovery of degraded areas and soil improvements. Fast leaf turnover increases the soil organic matter content. The flowers provide abundant food for bats, birds and several insects. The seed fibre is used as stuffing for mattresses and cushions. In aeronautic modelling, Balsa Wood is very much in demand as it is a perfect wood that can easily withstand crash landings and does not cause any major damage. Valued as a component of full-sized light wooden airplanes.
1 m tree K100
1.5 m tree K180
2 m tree K320