Abstract:

It was noted that fodder trees did not feature in the workshop presentations yet are very important especially in the highland areas of Mbale and Sironko where zero grazing is being practiced because of shortage of grazing land. Since the initiation of agroforestry activities in Mbale in 1995, farmers have been growing trees for fodder production. These are mainly the shrub species like Gliricidia septum, Calliandra calothyrsus etc.Also collaborators in partnership with FORRI have encouraged the growing of legume and other fodder species. An example is the Heifer project International (HPI) which is currently carrying activities in the districts of Kumi and Mbale. On inter-cropping of agricultural crops with agroforestry trees/shrubs for soil fertility replenishment, farmers have been advised not lose time during the planting season and to maintain an appropriately close spacing in order to acquire maximum biomas input into the soil. Farmers have also been advised to collect their own seed from the fallows from which they can raise their own seedlings other than depending solely on the seedlings supplied by FORRI. This strategy encourages the farmers to be responsible for their seedlings. There is need to scale —up sensitization of the collaborating partners (local governments and private organizations) especially in the districts where NAADS is already operational, for example, Iganga, Tororo, Busia and Kumi. This will act as an entry point for disseminating agroforestry practices and technologies into the communities in those districts.