Drawing on knowledge accrued by the Nairobi-based International Centre for Research into Agroforestry (ICRAF), Kenyan farmers are leading the way in the move from ‘subsistence’ to ‘sustenance’ living. Sustenance productions begins with planting legumes in the ley period between the traditional maize crop, thereby increasing yields. Farmers are also planting the legume calliandra calothyrsus, a high protein fodder, to replace or supplement dairy meal. The combination of legumes and cow manure is raising milk production and allowing diversification into cash crops such as flowers for export. International aid organizations are working with icraf in the belief that agroforestry might give African farmers a genuine chance of famine-proofing their communities, and stimulating rural economies.
Publication year
2000
Authors
Language
English
Keywords
agroforestry, calliandra calothyrsus, dairy farms, medicinal plants, milk production, prunus africana, soil fertility, sustainable agriculture
