Traditional agroforestry practices in Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND

There has been little attention being given to the significance of trees in household economies of Zimbabwe. Most focus has been on crops, livestock, softwood species of trees in commercial plantations and indigenous species that under state management. Extension officers used to encourage people to remove trees from arable land. However, after the country’s independence a Rural Afforestation Program was established resulting in agroforestry engagements.

CONCLUSION AND TAKEAWAYS

The authors state that, there has been a positive change in present agroforestry systems in Zimbabwe's Communal Areas. Four agroforestry systems can be recognized, i.e. in main fields, grazing areas, small garden plots and homesites. Exotic species are imperative in agroforestry operations. All these agroforestry operations are anchored in traditional management practices. There have been interventions which have included planting and conservation of fruit trees, and future interventions are likely to be welcomed by the communal farmers.