Living fences: A close-up look at an agroforestry technology

Living fences, as used in agroforestry, are described. Their primary purpose is to control the movement of animals (such as goats) or people. This purpose is what differentiates them from other agroforestry technologies based on trees planted in lines such as boundary plantings, contour strips or hedgerow intercropping. Living fences may provide fuelwood, fodder, and act as windbreaks. Living fences include also live fenceposts and hedges. Many different (tree) species are used for living fences, including Gliricidia sepium, Erythrina berteroana, Spondias purpurea, (Central America), Doryalis caffra, Agave sisalana and Euphorbia spp. (Africa). A table lists the most important species used for living fences in India.