14. agroforestry research in kenya: an overview

14.6 KEFRI/ KARI/NDFSRS/ MIDP/ ICRAF Dryland Agroforestry Research Project, Kakuyuni

The Dryland Agroforestry Research Project (DARP), is located in a semi-arid area of Machakos District. The project was initiated in 1983/84, and is a collaborative project between KEFRI, KARI, ICRAF, the National Dryland Farming Systems Research Station (NDFSRS), and Machakos Integrated Development Project (MIDP).

The main objective is to develop agroforestry technologies for semi-arid areas in Kenya. In the third phase that began in 1991 emphasis is being put on farmers' involvement in technology design.

A D&D was conducted in 1983, and some of the main constraints in the land-use system were found to be:

• Soil erosion and degradation of grazing land

• Decline in soil fertility

• Dry-season fodder shortage

• Poor cash flow for farmers

• A shortage of tree products (timber, poles, firewood).

Some examples of trials and experiments so far are:

• Hedgerow intercropping (on station, NDFSRS)

• On-farm trials of hedgerow intercropping with Cassia siamea, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala

• Rehabilitation of grazing land with indigenous species

• Fodder plots on farm

• Live fencing on farm

• Fruit-tree production on farm.