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Harvesting fodder trees in montane forests in Kenya: species, techniques used and impacts

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Marion PfeiferORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

© 2018 The Author(s) There has been an increasing interest in fodder trees and their potential to help the rural poor. However, few studies have addressed the ecological impacts of fodder tree harvesting. We investigated the species harvested and the techniques used, and the effects of fodder harvesting on (1) species’ populations and (2) forest carbon stocks in three montane forests in Kenya. Focus-group discussions were organized in 36 villages to determine which species were harvested and with which techniques. Field observations were made on vegetation plots: stem diameter, tree height, species and extent of harvest were recorded. Carbon stocks were calculated using an allometric equation with (1) observed height of harvested trees, and (2) potential height estimated with a power model, and results were compared. Eight tree species were commonly harvested for fodder using different techniques (some branches, main stem, most branches except stem apex). Fodder harvesting (together with other uses for some species) negatively affected one species populations (Olea europaea), it did not negatively affect four (Drypetes gerrardii, Gymnosporia heterophylla, Pavetta gardeniifolia, Xymalos monospora), and more information is needed for three species (Olea capensis, Prunus africana, Rinorea convallarioides). Fodder harvesting did not significantly reduce forest carbon stocks, suggesting that local communities could continue using these fodder trees if a carbon project is established. Among the fodder species studied, X. monospora could be used in reforestation programs, as it has multiple uses and can withstand severe pruning. Although our study is only a snapshot, it is a baseline which can be used to monitor changes in fodder harvesting and its impacts related to increasing droughts in northern Kenya and increasing human populations.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Cuni-Sanchez A, Pfeifer M, Marchant R, Pompeu PV, Burgess ND

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: New Forests

Year: 2018

Volume: 49

Issue: 4

Pages: 511-528

Print publication date: 01/07/2018

Online publication date: 24/02/2018

Acceptance date: 02/04/2016

Date deposited: 05/03/2018

ISSN (print): 0169-4286

ISSN (electronic): 1573-5095

Publisher: Springer Netherlands

URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-018-9632-x

DOI: 10.1007/s11056-018-9632-x


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
281986
328075

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