Imperata Grassland Rehabilitation using Agroforestry and Assisted Natural Regeneration

background

This manual provides concepts and techniques for using assisted natural regeneration to establish forest and agroforestry systems in areas dominated by the invasive grass Imperata cylindrica.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The manual discusses the importance of working with communities so that project managers and extension agents meet the needs of both regional programs and local groups. They suggest that a good extensionist listens and learns from the community, is sensitive, recognizes farmers' abilities, helps the community with their objectives, enables and empowers the community, is patient, and works with the community to plan and map the project. The text highlights the fire-prone nature of Imperata and the steps people can use to help prevent and fight fires, such as the use of firebreaks made of flattened grass, cleared land, or greenbreaks of fire-resistant vegetation. Next, agroforestry techniques are discussed, specifically in the context of reducing fire hazard, reducing soil erosion, increasing soil fertility, and increasing farm profitability and sustainability. Examples are provided for which native trees and crops to plant.