Tree-crop modelling strategy for the ICRAF-ACIAR project Trees-for-Food-Security, East Africa

5.1.1 BY 2014 By 2014, an APSIM modelling capability will have been produced to meet the major combinations of factors encountered in the targeted agro-ecologies of Ethiopia and Rwanda. Where possible, similar tree-crop combinations across more than one site will be used to facilitate efficient model development. Similarly, for expediency, only relevant microclimate or environmental impacts of the trees upon crops will be implemented into the model, and using case studies in the project to prioritize the development of model functionality. In each situation, the model should predict crop, wood and forage production. Ethiopia In Ethiopia, we will target the main agro-ecologies of the Bako and Melkassa regions. By 2014, we aim for a modelling capability in those areas that includes: Bako : Alley-cropped trees with maize or teff. Some datasets from the west of Addis Ababa are already available for wheat or teff grown beside eucalypts. Melkassa: Faidherbia with maize, teff or wheat, and alley-cropped trees with these food crops. Rwanda In Rwanda, we will target the main agro-ecologies of the Bugesera and Gishwati regions. By 2014, we aim for a modelling capability in those areas that includes: Bugesera: Faidherbia, Senna, or Grevillia with maize, and alley-cropped trees with maize. Gishwati: Alnus with maize, and alley-cropped trees with maize. 5.1.2 BY 2016 By 2016, the modelling capability will have been expanded to meet several factor combinations in Uganda and Burundi. In addition, we will attempt to extend the capabilities in Ethiopia and Rwanda by including one or more other combinations of trees, crops and management, or by using adequately performing tree-crop simulations in a whole-farm-livelihood modelling context

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