Report on the Argroforestry Project 1981-1987.
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Date
1981
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Fort Hare
Abstract
This report reviews the progress, challenges, and accomplishments of the afforestation project over the past seven years since its commencement. The project is one of the several programmes conducted by the Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute (ARDRI) of the University of Fort Hare to help meet some of the technical needs of small farmers. The concept of agroforestry includes trees as an integral part of farming systems, contributing directly to the production of food and industrial crops, and indirectly improving the microclimate by providing shade and wind breaks for adjacent crops, as well as fodder for animals. By virtue of their deep roots, trees are more drought-resistant than other plants; they help recycle nutrients and enhance soil stability and structure. Leguminous trees also fix nitrogen.