Abstract
This study investigated indigenous agroforestry species combinations and location pattern in Southeast Nigeria. Primary data were obtained by means of interview schedule from 400 farmers drawn by multistage random sampling technique from the zone. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistical tools. General observation was also made on local agroforestry patterns. The study identified twenty-five (25) tree and shrub species as common woody components of agroforestry practice in the zone. It was also revealed that more species were located in homegardens than in farm fields. The ratio of species located in homegardens to that in farm fields was 7:4. Fruit and vegetable yielding trees and shrubs were found in homegardens while timber, stakes, fuel and economic trees were located in farm fields. Other identified species were located in both compounds and farmer’s fields mostly for boundary maintenance. Root and tuber crops were the dorminant arable crop components of the local agroforestry practice, for instance yam (71.5%), cocoyam (69.5%) and cassava (56.5%). Other important components included leafy vegetables (68.5%) and cowpea (58.5%). Rice production is least associated with the practice (4.5%) in the zone. It was recommended that extension intervention in the zone should emphasize introduction of cereals and legumes in their local agroforestry practice.
Highlights
Agroforestry is an age-old approach to land use and an old practice in many African and Asian countries, it has been defined in modern times as a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources management system that through the integration of trees in farmland and range land, diversifies and sustains production for increased social, economic and environmental benefits for land users at all levels ( ICRAF, 1997)
The results of the analysis show that more of these species were located around homes and home gardens than in farm fields
The ratio of tree and shrub species located within home compounds to that located in farms was 7.4
Summary
Agroforestry is an age-old approach to land use and an old practice in many African and Asian countries, it has been defined in modern times as a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources management system that through the integration of trees in farmland and range land, diversifies and sustains production for increased social, economic and environmental benefits for land users at all levels ( ICRAF, 1997). Nwokeabia (2002) observed that because of values associated with certain tree species, farmers have always left them standing while preparing the sites for arable agriculture Some of these trees and shrubs provide a multiple of edible products, medicines, protective and soil improvement functions, fodder and wood for rural and household implements, food processing raw materials and export products. In a study on indigenous agroforestry practices among farmers in Southeast Nigeria, Umeh (2008) stated that various forms of agroforestry practices exist in the zone. These include homestead garden, trees on crop land, improved fallow, multistory crop combinations and sylvopasture. In a related study in Philipines, Brown (2003) observed that a farmer’s adoption of agroforestry technology depends on the following criteria: food (supplying immediate household needs), income (providing cash to service other needs), future (providing savings for long-term needs), building (providing wood materials for construction of new houses) and erosion (activities that minimize soil loss)
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