@article {502, title = {Acacia albida and other multipurpose trees on the fur farmlands in the Jebel Marra highlands, western Darfur, Sudan}, journal = {Agroforestry Systems}, volume = {4}, year = {1986}, month = {06/1986}, pages = {89-119}, abstract = {

This paper describes the traditional agroforestry systems based on Acacia albida and other multipurpose trees as practiced by the sedentary Fur people on the lower slopes and highlands of the Jebel Marra massif, Sudan. The basic agrosilvopastoral system consists of terraced village fields, where semipermanent rainfed cropping of staple millet and other subsistence crops takes place under stands of multipurpose trees dominated by Acacia albida, Cordia abyssinica and Ziziphus spina-christi. Trees have been retained primarily for food, wood and fodder. Thorn from cut and browsed branches makes a good fencing material.

This system has been able to sustain self-sufficiency of a densely settled population over centuries. However, recent out-migration of people from the montane dry-farming areas has caused gradual return to shifting cultivation. As a consequence, the present-day subsistence farming in the region is characterized by a general level of carelessness and exploitative management and this is reflected in a successive decrease of the tree cover.

The evaluation of the AF practices described includes a discussion on their regional importance and extrapolability within the framework of similar situations, especially in Africa, emphasis being given to mountain and highland conditions. The outstanding potential for Acacia albida-based AF systems to be sustained and spread almost all over semiarid to semihumid Africa is highlighted by illustrating its ecologic and economic variability. Extrapolation of such examples, however, is not feasible, without thorough feasibility studies concerning the ecologic, ethnologic and socio- economic conditions in the respective project areas. Basic research needs for improving and extending the system are also indicated.

}, keywords = {Acacia albida, agroforestry, agrosilvopasture, Cordia abyssinica, fur practices, Jebel Marra, Sudan, tropical highlands, Ziziphus spina-christi}, doi = {10.1007/BF00141543}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00141543}, author = {S. Miehe} } @article {514, title = {An evaluation of the Acacia albida-based agroforestry practices in the Hararghe highlands of Eastern Ethiopia}, journal = {Agroforestry Systems}, volume = {4}, year = {1986}, month = {June 1986}, pages = {129-143}, abstract = {

Growing Acacia albida as a permanent tree crop, on farmlands with cereals, vegetables and coffee underneath or in between, is an indigenous agroforestry system in the Hararghe highlands of Eastern Ethiopia. However, there is practically no systematic record or data on the merits and benefits of this practice.

The paper presents the results of an investigation into the effects of the presence of A. albida on farmlands on the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Twenty-seven plot pairs each consisting of one plot underneath the A. albida foliage cover and the other in the open, away from the tree - on farmers\&$\#$39; fields, in a 40 km radius around the Alemaya College of Agriculture - were sampled and the yield components analyzed. A statistically significant increase in crops yields by 56\% on average was found for the crops under the tree canopies compared to those away from the trees. This increase was caused by the improvement in 1,000 grain weight and number of grains of plants under the tree, indicating that the trees enhanced the fertility status of the soil and improved its physical conditions in terms of crop growth. Additional benefits from the A. albida trees include supply of fuelwood and fodder. Quantitative estimates of these outputs as well as their monetary values are presented in the paper. However, in order to realize these benefits to a discernible extent, higher stand densities of the tree than at present are required.

Based on an enquiry about the farmers attitude towards A. albida, the prospects for an extension of this promising agroforestry technique are discussed against the background of the state and trends of development of agriculture in the area. It is surmised that despite some shortcomings like the relatively slow and highly variable growth of A. albida and a conflict with the spreading cultivation of Ch\&$\#$39;at (Catha edulis Forsk.), the prospects of extension of this technique are good.

It is recommended that its propagation should be incorporated into the programmes of the extension agencies of the various governmental agencies concerned with land use.

}, keywords = {Acacia albida, agroforestry, Ch{\textquoteright}at, Ethiopia, fuelwood, Hararghe highlands, maize, sorghum}, doi = {10.1007/BF00141545}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00141545}, author = {Peter Poschen} } @inbook {870, title = {Experience with individual species}, booktitle = {Tree planting practices in African savannas}, series = {Forestry Development Paper no. 19}, year = {1974}, note = {Chapter 7}, month = {1974}, pages = {42-44}, publisher = {Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [sold by Unipub]}, organization = {Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [sold by Unipub]}, address = {Rome; New York}, abstract = {

This excerpt deals with specific native trees that can be found in the subdesert zones and their traditional environmental value. The specific species discussed are: Acacia albia, Acacia nilotica, Acacia senegal, Azadicachta indica and Conocarpus lancifolius. All, except for the Acacia senegal, rely on extraneous water supplies for adequate growth. The Acacia senegal relies on rainfall alone for its moisture.

Uses of these trees vary from conservers of soil to economic sources. One example of this is the Acacia albia, it is used mainly for fodder and refertilization of the soil. The Acacia nilotica is the most important species in the Sudan, because of is drought resistance. Gum extraction and fuel use are the economic functions of the Acacia senegal. This is one of the only trees that can be grown for economic purposes in subdesert zones. Each one fulfills a specific purpose in the Sahel.

}, keywords = {Acacia albida, Acacia nilotica, Acacia senegal, Africa, agroforestry, Azadirachta indica, Conacarpus lancifolius, economics, ethnoconservation, planting}, url = {http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/2931603}, author = {Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)} }