Abstract
The integration of trees on farmlands has recently received attention due to their contribution to livelihoods improvement and climate change mitigation. They provide ecosystem services (ESs) like climate change mitigation, improvement of soil fertility, provision of timber and fuelwood among others. The choice of trees to plant depends on the role the farmer intends to put them into and the size of the farm. The trees can either be indigenous or exotic andare mostly planted along farm boundaries, in home gardens, as woodlots orientation among others. This study was conducted in western part of Kenya on farmlands that mostly border the Kakamega Forest. The study soughtto determine abundance, distribution and biomass carbon stocks of <i>Grevillea robusta</i> and <i>Eucalyptus saligna</i> for enhanced climate change mitigation. A total of (N=3,468) trees were inventoried in 80 farms with a total of 27.5ha. The average size of farms where the survey was done was about 1.28±1.01 ha. <i>Eucalyptus saligna</i> had a tree abundance 1133 (33%) of the total trees sampled while <i>Grevillea robusta</i> had 2,335 (67%). Two sites were purposively selected (Lubao and Tea zone area). In the Lubao site, <i>Eucalyptus saligna</i> abundance was 627 (29%) while <i>Grevillea robusta</i> abundance was 1565 (71%) of the total trees sampled. In Tea Zone site, <i>Eucalyptus saligna</i> abundance was 506 (40%) while <i>Grevillea robusta</i> tree abundance was 770 (60%). Total biomass estimated in the study area was 3.86±0.21Mgha<sup>-1</sup>(1.96Mg C ha<sup>-1</sup>). This was distributed as aboveground biomass (2.8±0.12Mgha<sup>-1</sup>) and belowground biomass (0.87±0.41Mgha<sup>-1</sup>). There was no significant difference in biomass among farms in Lubao (F=43.12; p=0.34) and in Tea zone sites (F=53.12; p=0.23). Lubao site had an estimated biomass of 1.97±0.023Mgha<sup>-1</sup> distributed as above ground biomass (1.31±0.043Mgha<sup>-1</sup>) and below ground biomass (0.67±0.023Mgha<sup>-1</sup>). Tea zone site had an estimated biomass of 1.99±0.38Mgha<sup>-1</sup>. This was distributed as above ground biomass (1.58±0.023Mgha<sup>-1</sup>) and below ground biomass (0.40±0.18Mgha<sup>-1</sup>). Biomass was significantly different among the agroforestry practices in Lubao (F=13.1; p=0.002) and in Tea Zone (F=29.12; p=0.001). Hedgerow had the highest biomass among the agroforestry practices in Lubao (1.91±0.16Mgha<sup>-1</sup>) and in Tea zone sites (1.7±0.23Mgha<sup>-1</sup>). Alley cropping that was only practiced in Lubao had the least biomass (0.0044±0.009Mgha<sup>-1</sup>). The twotree species provided benefits for household use and at the same time for monetarysale. Firewood and timber were the most mentioned (n=80). This was followed by construction material and fencing material. These functions/uses were most preferred by the <i>Eucalyptus grandis</i>.
Highlights
Trees on agricultural landscapes are every significant because playkey roles in the provision of essential ecosystem services (ESs) that support smallholder livelihoods [1, 2]
Eucalyptus saligna had a tree abundance 1133 (33%) of the total trees sampled while Grevillea robusta had 2,335 (67%)
Boundary planting had the highest abundance of the Grevillea robusta sampled in Lubao (56%) and in Tea Zone (46%) of the total trees sampled
Summary
Trees on agricultural landscapes are every significant because playkey roles in the provision of essential ecosystem services (ESs) that support smallholder livelihoods [1, 2]. These services include, provision of timber, improvement ofsoil fertility, provision of fodder, carbon sequestration among others. Most farmers in Kenya and more so the western part prefers Grevillea robusta and Eucalyptus saligna due to their faster growth and economic value This studysought to establish the abundance of most preferred species, their distribution, carbon biomass stocks and their role in mitigating the effects of climate change in addition to improving livelihoods. The findings of this paper will help inform policy based on the value the trees are put into, will contribute to reduction of pressure on the existing natural forests
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