Assessing climate‑smart agroforestry practices: A study of tree species composition, distribution, and utilities in two contrasting agroecosystems of Rwanda
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer
Abstract
Tree adoption on farms has expanded
around the world in the last years due to food security
concerns and is expected to further spread due to
climate change. Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF),
a smart farming approach, is one of these farming
patterns. In this study, we (a) analyzed the distribution
and composition of trees in CSAF systems, (b)
assessed tree diversity in CSAF systems, (c) analyzed
CSAF best management practices, and (d) evaluated
CSAF-derived utilities in two contrasting agroecological
zones of Rwanda. In particular, species composition,
diversity, richness, evenness, and similarity were
estimated across land use types. Utility data were
recorded as fulfilled goals from different practices.
Home gardens, alley cropping, improved fallow,
multipurpose trees, plantation crop combination,
shelterbelts/windbreaks, and silvopasture are the predominant
CSAF practices in Bugesera and Rulindo
with different structures and compositions. Results
highlighted that tree species diversity, richness, dominance,
and importance decrease from Rulindo to
Bugesera (H′ = 1.397–1.247), (
Dmg = 0.621–0.368),
(D = 0.192–0.117), (IVI = 58.42–58.02). Moreover,
farmers seemed to give more weight to utilities from
goods meant for household survival such as fruits
(home consumption), fuelwood (culinary), fodder
(cattle-housed for zero-grazing), and standing trees
(stakes for climbing crops). Logs, and poles/timber
meant for commercial purposes were given the least
weight. Introducing and upscaling fruit tree species
on farms can be one of the best alternatives to
improve local climate-resilient landscapes and livelihoods.
The outcomes of this study can support the
targeting of agricultural interventions and innovations
in resource-poor settings struggling with food security
challenges.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Smart farming, Climate resilience, Adoption, Food security, Management practices, Rwanda