5. Collaborative Programmes Division

5.3 Zonal Research and Training Activities

Bimodal Highlands (East Africa)

A cooperative agreement between USAID and ICRAF to develop a research network focusing on the selection of MPTs for the bimodal rainfall highlands of East Africa was signed in September, and institutional arrangements were initiated with three countries (Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda) to develop the planning phase of the operational model.

ICRAF's backstopping of the KARI-NDFRS Project at Kakuyuni (Kenya) entered its fourth and final year. As the target area is not within the higher potential ecozone, where the network will be developed, this project will not fall under the described operational scheme. It is, however, of particular relevance for the semi-arid zones of Kenya, and an appropriate ground for developing ICRAF's collaborative capability.

Three publications with results from on-station experiments on mulching of maize and on tree-crop interface in alley cropping presented valuable information. Results of six seasons of mulching in microplots with Cassia siamea and Leucaena leucocephala indicated that using 1 to 2 kg of fresh leaves per m of cropland may double maize yields. However, maize yield/ha in an alley-cropping arrangement does not yet compensate for the reduction in planting density caused by tree hedges. The cumulative effect of mulching and lower than expected tree-mulch yield, as well as different times of application, may account for this apparent discrepancy. Farmer-managed trials were initiated in a few farms, to explore their reaction to such an intervention.

Five-month regrowth of a mixed Leucaena leucocephala and Cassia siamea hedgerow system being lopped for green manure

On grazing land, Prosopis juliflora and Zyvphus mauritania appeared to be the most promising trees for fencing off "star grass" plots, not only for their protective role, but also for their production of pods for supplemental feeding. Of the existing trees in the grazing area, Balanites aegyptiaca and Acacia tortilis are showing a faster rehabilitation potential after being favoured with a micro-catchment and minor browse protection for two years. Results of these grazing land trials were described in more detail in two research reports.

On the institutional side, a high turnover of local scientists has affected the continuity and weakened the capability of the national team to implement the research programme. Both national and international backstopping (from Katumani Research Station and ICRAF, respectively) is felt to be wanting, in terms of "hands-on" efforts.