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Use and benefits of tree germplasm from the World Agroforestry genebank for smallholder farmers in Kenya

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Abstract

The World Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Kenya plays a key role in conserving tree genetic diversity, thereby contributing to the delivery of ecosystem services in tree-based production systems. This study explored the benefits of using the two most popular fodder tree species among smallholder farmers, sourced from the ICRAF genebank: Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) and Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia). Through a survey of key informants and genebank users, we examined the benefits derived from the adoption of Calliandra and Gliricidia and the unique role of the ICRAF genebank as the main source of tree germplasm for Kenyan smallholders. The constraints to germplasm access could limit protein fodder supply and the intensity of fertilization in farmers’ fields, which in turn could affect productivity in livestock and maize sectors in Kenya. We find that improved food security, higher incomes, increased milk production, reduced vulnerability to drought, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced soil fertility are identified as the main farmer-perceived benefits linked to the use of Calliandra and Gliricidia. The findings demonstrate the importance of agroforestry in the delivery of ecosystem services, in the light of climate change and heightened pressure for sustainable agricultural practices, and the crucial role of the genebank in conserving and distributing unique, high quality tree germplasm.

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Acknowledgements

Funding for this research was provided by the CGIAR Genebank Platform, ICRAF, and the Crop Trust through the 2018 Genebank Impacts Fellowship Program.

Authorship contribution

The first author contributed to the research conceptualization and design, data gathering, data analysis, writing, and editing. The second author contributed to research conceptualization and design, data analysis, writing, and editing. The third author contributed to research conceptualization and design and editing. The final author contributed to research conceptualization and design, data gathering, and data provision.

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Correspondence to Nelissa Jamora or Melinda Smale.

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Conflict of interest

The fourth author is currently the manager of ICRAF GRU. The second author is an agricultural economist at the Crop Trust. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Kitonga, K., Jamora, N., Smale, M. et al. Use and benefits of tree germplasm from the World Agroforestry genebank for smallholder farmers in Kenya. Food Sec. 12, 993–1003 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01047-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01047-6

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