Mutoko District, located in Mashonaland East Province, is one of the areas where the Forestry Commission is actively implementing agroforestry programmes. In collaboration with various non-governmental organisations, the Commission has been educating communities on the importance and benefits of agroforestry.
What is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is the deliberate management of trees alongside crops and/or livestock on the same piece of land to maximise ecological and economic benefits.
An integrated land-use approach — merging agricultural and forestry technologies to create diverse, productive, profitable and sustainable systems that draw on the interactive benefits of combining trees, shrubs, crops and livestock.
The management of trees, crops, and livestock on the same piece of land for both ecological and economic benefits.
— L. Tapfumanei (1999)
Six Common Agroforestry Techniques
From improved fallow to live fences — six proven ways farmers integrate trees into their land for soil, harvest, fodder and protection.
Improved Fallow
Alley Cropping
Relay Cropping
Home Gardens
Soil Conservation & Reclamation
Live Fences
Practices & the Tree Species We Use
Each practice has a specific arrangement and uses tree species best suited to the role — whether it’s nitrogen fixation, soil binding, food production or fencing.
Improved Fallow
Woody species planted and left to grow during the fallow phase — more effective than shifting cultivation.
Alley Cropping
Woody species in hedges; agricultural species grown in the alleys between hedges.
Home Gardens
Multi-storey combination of trees and crops around homesteads — food, shade and income within reach of the household.
Trees in Soil Conservation & Reclamation
Trees planted on bunds and terraces to bind soil and aid reclamation on degraded land.
Live Fences
Trees planted around farmlands as living boundaries — protection that grows stronger over time.
Six Lasting Impacts of Agroforestry
From household nutrition to climate resilience — agroforestry pays dividends to communities, ecosystems and economies.
Reduces Poverty
Through increased production of agroforestry products for home use and market sale.
Enhances Food Security
Improving soil fertility and producing fruits, nuts and edible oils for the household.
Reduces Deforestation
Providing farm-grown fuelwood, easing pressure on indigenous forests.
Climate Resilience
Increases on-farm biodiversity and tree cover to combat climate change effects.
Improves Nutrition
Helps communities cope with hunger and chronic illness (e.g. HIV/AIDS).
Access to Medicinal Trees
Used by 80% of Africa’s population as primary healthcare.