The following practice provides information on features of woodlots, agroforestry and improved fallow as means to use wood resources more efficiently and prevent deforestation, environmental degradation and firewood supply shortages. The advantages and disadvantages of these practices are also detailed which include labour saving, livelihood resilience strengthening, livelihood diversification, use of inputs, skills, knowledge, costs and risks.

Description

Wood is often collected from communally-owned resources and, if they are not maintained, the task of fetching wood becomes more time-consuming as people have to venture further afield.

Pressure on communal wood resources results in deforestation, leading to:

• environmental degradation;
• reduced water infiltration;
• poor recharge of aquifers;
• flash floods;
• soil erosion;
• reduction of agricultural output;
• siltation of dams; and
• loss of habitat for wildlife.

To cope with shortages in firewood supply, cattle dung and crop residues are used leading to a further reduction in soil productivity and reduced crop productivity.

1. Features of woodlots

• Woodlots are usually planted in areas not suitable for crop production.
• There is a long time delay between planting and harvesting: five to seven years for firewood, 12 to 25 years for timber.
• Eucalyptus is frequently grown as a woodlot tree because of its rapid growth and, for some varieties, its straight trunk. However:
  
  • few plants grow in its shadow;
  • eucalyptus requires high demand of water and can lower the water table quite considerably;
  • eucalyptus should be planted some distance from crops and wells; and
  • care should be taken not to dry out swamp areas.

2. Features of agroforestry

• Trees are integrated into the farming system by planting along field boundaries, live fences and conservation contours, and inter-cropped using alley cropping techniques.
• In alley cropping, trees are chosen for their leaf fodder, mulching, firewood and fertilizing characteristics. Care is required to select trees that will be compatible with crops and not have adverse effects (for example, through water use and shade).
• Trees may be pollarded or coppiced.
• Fruit trees are planted within the boundary.

3. Features of improved fallow

• Trees and shrubs planted on fallow land provide a source of fodder and firewood in the proximity of the household.
• Trees and shrubs also improve soil fertility and food production.
• Products are harvested after two to eight years depending on the species planted.
• Trees are traditionally regarded as an indicator of tenure and their presence on fallow land can help secure tenure.

Figure 1. Village wood fuel market

©FAO/TECA

Figure 2. Woodlots and wind break

©FAO/TECA

4. Advantages

4.1 Labour-saving

The practice saves time fetching firewood by increasing supplies and by moving the source of firewood closer to home. Agroforestry improves the efficiency of labour through positive interaction between trees and farm enterprises.

4.2 Livelihood resilience strengthening

The presence of trees often increases security of land tenure. Planting trees reduces environmental degradation and impacts from natural hazards, especially from intense rainfall. It is possible to obtain by-products such as food, fruit, firewood and fodder.

4.3 Livelihood diversification

Once demand for wood in the community has been satisfied, poles and firewood may be developed as a source of income.

4.4 Inputs

Some farmers may already multiply their own seedlings.

4.5 Skills and knowledge

Farmers are already familiar with local tree species.

4.6 Cost

There is minimal cost.

5. Disadvantages

5.1 Labour

Additional labour is required initially to establish the woodlot, plant and maintain the trees. There is some delay before the benefits are reaped.

5.2 Inputs

Nurseries need to be established for multiplication of seeds and seedlings.

5.3 Skills

Farmers need to be aware of relative benefits and disadvantages of local and exotic tree species and their characteristics:

• height;
• tolerance of being coppiced or pollarded;
• water requirements; and
• soil requirements.

 Farmers may require training in:

• nurseries
• tree management
• agroforestry.

5.4 Risk

An initial investment of time is needed for several years before gain benefits. There is also the risk of tree failure due to lack of care and maintenance.

6. Related/associated technologies 

• Improved fallows: ID 7769.
• Fallow cropping garlic after rice: ID 7698.
• Shortened bush-fallow rotations and sustainable rural livelihoods: ID 4578.

7. Objectives fulfilled by the project 

7.1 Labour-saving technology (LST) 

The practice saves time fetching firewood by increasing supplies and by moving the source of firewood closer to home.

7.2 Resource use efficiency 

Planting trees reduces environmental degradation and impacts of natural hazards.

7.3 Pro-poor technology 

Poles and firewood may be developed as a source of income.