14. agroforestry research in kenya: an overview

14.1 The development of agroforestry research in Kenya

Agricultural research in Kenya dates back to before 1910 when small trial plots were laid out to test cash crops such as sisal, maize and cotton. Livestock experiments started around the same time. Forestry research was not organized in a coherent manner until 1934, and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) was established as late as 1986.

Compared to that in agriculture and forestry, agroforestry research is very recent in Kenya. A major landmark was the establishment of the Headquarters of the International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Nairobi in 1978. Gradually during the 1980s and 1990s agroforestry research progressed and a large number of institutions are now involved in various types of research. With ICRAF and its support for national institutions Kenya has in fact emerged as one of the global centres of agroforestry research.

In this chapter on-going research will be highlighted and some findings discussed.