Abstract:
Trees and shrubs form an integral part of the small-scale farm systems. The woody perennials contribute to higher productivity
of both crops and animals. They contribute to soil fertility needed by crops through recycling nutrients from the deep soil layers to
the top soil layers through dropping of leaves. Trees and shrub species from the legume family are also able to fix atmospheric
nitrogen and make it available for use by crops. Among other benefits, trees can provide fodder for livestock, firewood for cooking and lighting, and they also remove carbon from the air. Trees and shrubs also provide stakes for supporting high value crops such as climbing beans, tomatoes and others.