Agroforestry and Tree management in Kivuuvu Parish, Maanyi Subcounty, Mityana District. Uganda

Abstract Agroforestry is an important alternative in land management systems to improve rural livelihoods. Timber and Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) have been the most important components in the agroforestry system, and to rural villagers’ household income portfolio including in Kivuuvu Parish, Maanyi Subcounty in Mityana District. However, the management strategies for tree components at household level has been quite inadequate resulting in low benefit margins for the farmers. These are eventually perceived by the small scale tree farmers as poor and unattractive incentives that has led many to abandon the practice of tree growing on farm. The study helps the farmers to identify the key action points to emphasize in on-farm tree management where efforts can be directed and tangible benefits realized and livelihoods impacted positively. Direct farmer interviews of 12 tree farmers were conducted covering the villages of Buyobe, Gulejja, Kabayenga, Kivuvuu, Kyetuuzo, Maanyi, and Nakulamudde. These were purposively selected from both large scale and small scale categories as well as hilly and gentle slopping landscapes. Results indicated that tree growth was very slow with tree rotation exceeding 20 years for common tree varieties such ad Eucalyptus grandis grown for timber. A wide variety of tree species were also incorporated into farmlands for food, fuel, fodder, medicine and aesthetic values. The study uncovered the indiscretions in tree species selection for different cropping systems as well as landscapes. Important tree management practices such as pruning, fertilizer application and thinning were also not done resulting into poor tree performance. This significantly reduces the farmer’s income and economic livelihood. The study recommended the intervention of the District Forestry Services and other NGOs to increase the community’s access to improved tree varieties such as eucalyptus clones and also disseminate the knowledge appropriate tree management practices as per the SPGS tree growing standards.