Potential African Agroforestry Systems for Livelihood Security

Background and Orientation: The term “agroforestry” was coined in the mid-1970s to enhance the global recognition of the fundamental and multi-dimensional role of trees on farms. The definition currently used by ICRAF, agroforestry “refers to a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resources management system that, through the integration of trees in farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains production for increased social, economic and environmental benefits for land users at all levels”.

Aim and Methodology: The aim of this chapter was to review and syntheses of studies on existing agroforestry systems on the continent. Further, the review focusses on linking agroforestry systems to sustainable livelihoods, taking into consideration its social/cultural, economic/financial and environmental/ecological benefits while identifying and presenting issues on agroforestry in Africa. Study Objectives: The objective of this study was assess the potential for African countries to use agroforestry as a tool for spearheading sustainable livelihood.

Findings: Agroforestry systems for Africa were categorized into three. Category one: Agrisilvicultural systems (crops - including shrub/vine/tree crops - and trees with the following technologies: (i) Improved fallow/Shifting cultivation; (ii) Taungya; (iii) Alley cropping (hedgerow intercropping); (iv) Multilayer tree gardens; (v) Multipurpose trees on crop lands; (vi) Plantation crop combinations; (vii) Homegardens; (viii) Trees in soil conservation and reclamation; (ix) Shelterbelts and windbreaks, live hedges; and (x) Fuelwood production. Category two: Silvopastoral systems (trees + pasture and/or animals) which include: (i) Trees on rangeland or pastures; (ii) Protein banks/Fodder banks; and (iii) Plantation crops with pastures and animals. Category three: Agrosilvopastoral systems (trees + crops + pasture/animals) which entails: (i) Homegardens involving animals; (ii) Multipurpose woody hedgerows; (iii) Apiculture with trees/Bee keeping; (iv) Aquaforestry/Fisheries; (v) Multipurpose woodlots; and (vi) Rotational woodlots. Over and above the three categories there was another crucial aspect of Sustainable management of natural forests and woodlands, which is another dimension that could be linked to trees and shrubs. Research provides evidence that the adoption and development of agroforestry systems in Africa is too slow and this chapter raised factors that could directly or indirectly influence the adoption of agroforestry among smallholder farmers in Africa. An review of recent case studies point the poor adoption and scaling up of agroforestry to numerous factors that include: (i) Lack of understanding of the benefits of agroforestry/Ignorance of the advantages of agroforestry; (ii) Delayed return on investment and under-developed markets; (iii) Emphasis on commercial agriculture; (iv) Mass agricultures focus on using fertilizers and pesticides; (v) Lack of tree seed supplies; (vi) Lack of land tenure among smallholder farmers/Unclear status of land and tree resources; (vii) Limited land; (viii) Market constraints; (ix) Lack of sufficient extension work and inadequate research; (x) Lack of skill, knowledge and awareness; (xii) Lack of interest; (xiii) Gender and age; (xiv) Lack of coordination between sectors; and (xv) Policy constraints and Adverse regulations. Therefore, there is a strong and urgent need for advancing agroforestry on the policy agenda. The underlying facts for opting to promote and regulate agroforestry through policies are as follows: (i) To eliminate legal and institutional constraints on agroforestry; (ii) To support positive outcomes of agroforestry; and to compensate farmers for the delay in returns. Africa would benefit from lessons leant from agroforestry success stories from within Africa and beyond. These lessons are that for agroforestry to flourish four issues are critical, and these are: (i) Agroforestry exists only where it is beneficial to farmers; (ii) Security of tenure rights is important; (iii) Agroforestry links sectors; and (iv) A strict enforcing of forest management rules promote agroforestry.

Conclusion: in order to establish and develop packages of agroforestry systems Africa needs observe five imperatives and these include: (i) Transition from traditional to modern farming systems is imperative; (ii Pressing need to shift from sectoral to multi-sectoral to inter-sectoral approach to farming (Integrated farming); (iii) Great potential for small-scale forest enterprise development (agroforestry); (iv) Need for effective forest governance and robust strategies to promote tree planting; and (v) Incorporation of agroforestry/forestry activities in national agriculture extension programmes.