Agroforestry for development in Kenya: an overview

Agroforestry development in Kenya is relatively new but its growth and development during the last decade has been unprecedented. Such accelerated development is largely attributable to concerted efforts between and amongst the Government of Kenya (GOK), donors, and non-governmental organizations. The development has gone through several stages. Traditional systems were in place, and early development occurred before 1977. Three types of traditional systems are still in use: windbreaks and boundary planting; mixed intercropping and enriched fallows; and home gardens and fruit orchards. Social forestry systems and woodlots are also found. These include the shamba system (a form of taungya), wattle plantations, and plantation crop (tea and coffee) shade trees. An outline is given of the first decade of agroforestry development (1977-87). Aspects covered are the role of IDRC and ICRAF's establishment and work, programmes instituted by the government, donors and NGOs, and the role of the Kenyan farmer and the Kenya National Farmers Union. Fifteen major government policy interventions that have had a direct and positive effect on agroforestry development were enacted between 1971 and 1987. While the necessary policy instruments are in place, government-based agroforestry programmes and activities require donors' support and the active participation of non-governmental organizations. Equally important in agroforestry development are the Kenyan farmers (especially the Kenyan women and youths) who have become active in tree planting and are now adopting agroforestry practices. Continued and growing mass-awareness of farmers regarding agroforestry as the most appropriate tropical land-use system in the face of a growing population pressure will facilitate government, NGO, and donor efforts

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