TY - JOUR

T1 - What can local knowledge contribute to our understanding of tree species selection on coffee farms?

AU - Agaba, Genevieve

AU - Sandbrook, Lindsey

AU - Gassner, Anja

AU - Sinclair, Fergus

PY - 2016/8/25

Y1 - 2016/8/25

N2 - This article explores local knowledge of ecological interactions held by smallholder coffee farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya. The area is in the vicinity of the Aberdare Forest Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot, but coffee farms were shown to harbour only a few tree species in abundant numbers, due to historical developments in the coffee sector. In order to increase tree diversity on coffee farms, an understanding of shading impacts on coffee productivity is required, also the livelihood benefits farmers can expect to accrue from incorporating trees into their coffee plots. For change to happen on the ground however, different farming contexts need to be taken into account and advice tailored accordingly – this represents a change to the way recommendations are currently made.

AB - This article explores local knowledge of ecological interactions held by smallholder coffee farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya. The area is in the vicinity of the Aberdare Forest Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot, but coffee farms were shown to harbour only a few tree species in abundant numbers, due to historical developments in the coffee sector. In order to increase tree diversity on coffee farms, an understanding of shading impacts on coffee productivity is required, also the livelihood benefits farmers can expect to accrue from incorporating trees into their coffee plots. For change to happen on the ground however, different farming contexts need to be taken into account and advice tailored accordingly – this represents a change to the way recommendations are currently made.

KW - Local knowledge

KW - Ecosystem services

KW - Agroforestry

KW - Kenya

M3 - Article

VL - 28

SP - 21

EP - 25

JO - Agriculture for Development

JF - Agriculture for Development

SN - 1759-0604

ER -