Putting trees back in fields

When trees and crops are used in harmony, balance is restored to agroecosystems. Agroforestry opens up vast opportunities for innovation in Africa.

Stratification

In the Mboro basin (Senegal), vegetable crops are planted under citrus or mango trees in fields surrounded by coconut palms. This stratified, spatially organised cropping system fosters biodiversity and creates a favourable microclimate for vegetable crops.

Water efficiency

Rose associates fruit trees and vegetable crops in her field to optimise water use (Casamance, Senegal). This cropping system uses vertical layers to ensure every drop of water provided benefits several crops.

Breaking the wind

On the slopes of the Rift Valley in Limuru (Kenya), producers have planted trees to prevent erosion and to break the persistent wind that dries out their crops.

Assisted natural regeneration

In Koussanar (eastern Senegal), farmers use assisted natural regeneration (ANR) to reforest their millet and groundnut plots. ANR consists of protecting and supporting the growth of young trees that grow naturally in the fields.

Prolific harvests

In Koussanar, millet producers have noted an improvement in their yields in the three-covered plots Tree species such as the acacia faidherbia albidia encourage soil life and the growth of crops under their canopy.

Millet for food security

Millet is the basis of food security in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. After the harvest, the millet is threshed (photo 1), winnowed (photo 2) and then ground (photos 3 and 4).