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From top to bottom clockwise: (i) fodder tree harvesting of Pavetta gardeniifolia in Mt Kulal (small branches cut, note how dry is the grassland on top of the mountain during the dry season), (ii) fodder tree harvesting of understory Rinorea convallarioides in Mt Marsabit (note number of dead yellowish stems of this species), (iii) fodder tree harvesting of canopy Olea capensis in Mt Kulal (see few branches unharvested on top trees, background of the picture, Samburu pastoralist family in front); and (iv) fodder tree harvesting of understory Xymalos monospora in Mt Nyiro (note stems pruned > 6 m, right side picture)
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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...
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The capacity of forests to recover after disturbance, i.e., their resilience, determines their ability to persist and function over time. Many variables, natural and managerial, affect forest resilience. Thus, understanding their effects is critical for the development of sound forest conservation and management strategies, especially in the contex...
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... Second, climate change impacts are likely to be already noticed by local farmers. For example, increased temperatures, changes in rainfall amount and distribution, decreased streamflow, and reduced crop yields in the past 20-30 years have been reported by local farmers in mountains both north (e.g., Mt Marsabit in Kenya, Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018) and south (e.g., Mt Kilimanjaro, Uluguru This chapter has been made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND license. Francis & Kraybill, 2013;Velempini et al., 2016;Kassian et al., 2017;Schumacher, 2018;Kangazi et al., 2021). ...
... We could not find similar studies conducted in the Aberdare Range to compare. Numerous studies have reported an agreement between meteorological data and climate perceptions (e.g., see Savo et al., 2016 for a review), including for fog (Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018). For variables rarely recorded in climatic stations (e.g., fog), local knowledge could be used to fill in the knowledge gap and could help drive future lines of research. ...
... Only two previous studies report reduced yields for banana, including in Mt Kilimanjaro (Kaganzi et al., 2021). Regarding livestock, Meru and Kikuyu study participants linked reduced cattle health to reduced fodder availability due to increasing droughts, as did respondents in northern Kenya (Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018). ...
... m [5]. In assessing fodder harvesting techniques, it was observed that Xymalos monospora and Rinorea convallarioides were often severely pruned by farmers in three montane forests in Kenya [6]. ...
Tree pruning is a management tool in agroforestry systems for reducing shade, enhancing nutrient cycling or providing fodder. However, little information is available on the effect of pruning management on plant growth, nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) levels in the roots and N2 fixation of Sesbania sesban. A glasshouse experiment was conducted to assess the effect of pruning frequency on biomass production, NSC levels and N2 fixation of Sesbania sesban. Pruning treatments consisted of a control (PF0), one pruning at 3 months after transplanting (MAT) (PF1), two successive prunings at 3 and 6 MAT (PF2), and three successive prunings at 3, 6 and 9 MAT (PF3), with each pruning removing shoot biomass above 50% of the initial height. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Results showed that increasing pruning frequency resulted in decreased nodulation and nonstructural carbohydrate levels in the roots. Above and below ground biomass, root length, percentage N derived from the atmosphere and amount of N2 fixed were decreased in a similar manner whether plants were successively pruned twice or thrice. It can be concluded that two or three successive prunings in nine months significantly reduce nonstructural carbohydrates, DM productivity and N2 fixation of S. sesban, and might result in supply of insufficient biomass required for improving soil N fertility and livestock production.
... In general, negative SCD slopes indicate good recruitment, flat slopes indicate equal numbers of individuals in small and large size classes, and positive slopes indicate poor recruitment (Obiri et al., 2002). Flat or positive slopes may indicate several issues, such as: (i) a species needs a particular set of environmental conditions for reproduction (e.g., Prunus africana, Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018), (ii) previously established cohorts have been removed (e.g., timber extraction, Isoberlinia doka, Jurisch et al., 2012), or (iii) there has been little recruitment for a number of years (e.g., due to intensive fruit harvesting, Detarium senegalense, Dangbo et al., 2019). ...
... Apart from the plant part being harvested, and the harvesting techniques used, species' intrinsic characteristics are also of importance: e.g., if a species resprouts, it might be less affected by leaf harvesting (Xymalos monospora, Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018). Similarly, if a species has clonal reproduction, the effects of intensive fruit harvesting might not be observed on the SCD (e.g., Pentadesma butyracea, Gaoue et al., 2017). ...
The recently created Lomami National Park has an extensive Buffer Zone where local communities are allowed to use forest products sustainably. However, the management of this Buffer Zone is hampered by inadequate understanding of the floristic composition and the impacts of harvesting certain plant products. To fill in this data gap, we established and sampled 30 vegetation plots of 40 × 40 m, and investigated the population structure of 11 useful tree species preferred by local communities. We found that the Buffer Zone is mostly composed of mixed‐species undisturbed old growth forest. It contains nine tree species of international conservation concern (listed in the IUCN Red list and/or apart from the Red list, Gibourtia demeusei , not been assessed by IUCN Red list, is listed in CITES Appendix II since January 2017; UNEP‐WCMC, Review of selected Dalbergia species and Guibourtia demeusei , UNEP‐WCMC, 2017). The floristic diversity of the Buffer Zone, which requires further investigation as some species remained unidentified. Most preferred tree species (including Garcinia kola and Milicia excelsa ) are abundant and showed a reverse‐J size distribution, indicating a relatively stable population structure. For these species, current levels of exploitation seem sustainable. Further research is needed for two nonabundant species of conservation concern ( Autranella congolensis and Michelsonia microphylla ). Although timber/firewood commercial harvesting is currently limited in the study area, the management plan of the Buffer Zone should consider these risks given increasing commercial hunting. Surveys and permanent plots provide essential information to guide the management of newly formed protected areas.
Abstract in French is available with online material.
... Our study provides evidence of how Indigenous communities can provide insights on the climatic changes already observed on mountains for a wide range of climate variables beyond rainfall and temperature (e.g., fog, rain showers, hailstorms), as shown by other studies [37][38][39]. If fog is expected to change considerably due to predicted increased temperatures and raising cloud base in African mountains [17,58] and few meteorological stations record such variables, local peoples' perceptions of change could be used to better understand non-precipitating changes in moistures impacts on crop and fodder production. ...
... As highlighted by [30,68], tapping into the detail of the climatic changes perceived by local communities allows researchers and practitioners to better understand the nuances of climate impacts on farmer livelihoods and ensuing locally acceptable adaptation decisions. For example, both dry spells during the rainy season or showers during the dry season can negatively affect maize yields, but fog can be a source of moisture for seed germination [58]. ...
... Regarding livestock, previous studies in Tanzania's mountains did not report decreased milk or increased diseases, but these were reported from other locations in Tanzania [73]. A study in the mountains in northern Kenya [58] mentioned reduced fodder availability due to increasing droughts and related weak health of animals. ...
Mountain environments and communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Changes in temperature are greater than at lower elevations, which affect the height of the cloud base and local rainfall patterns. While our knowledge of the biophysical nature of climate change in East Africa has increased in the past few years, research on Indigenous farmers’ perceptions and adaptation responses is still lacking, particularly in mountains regions. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 300 farmers on Mount Kilimanjaro (n = 150) and the Udzungwa Mountains (n = 150) in Tanzania across gender and wealth groups. Respondents in both mountains reported not only changes in rainfall and temperature, corresponding with meteorological data, but also a greater incidence of fog, wind, frost, and hailstorms—with impacts on decreased crop yields and increased outbreaks of pests. The most common adaptation strategies used were improved crop varieties and inputs. Wealthier households diversified into horticulture or animal rearing, while poorer households of Hehe ethnicity diversified to labour and selling firewood. Despite being climate change literate and having access to radios, most respondents used Indigenous knowledge to decide on planting dates. Our findings highlight how context and culture are important when designing adaptation options and argue for greater involvement of local stakeholders in adaptation planning using a science-with-society approach. Place-based results offer generalisable insights that have application for other mountains in the Global South.
... Harvesting leaf fodder is a wide-range system with two important roles in rural areas of developing countries: First, in times of extreme climate conditions such as droughts, rural people use leaf fodder to meet production shortage in pastures. Second, compared to crop fodder, the leaves of most trees have higher nitrogen content, which is used to increase the low nutritional value of natural pastures and crop residues (Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018). ...
Forest ecosystem services are necessary for rural communities’ livelihood and well-being. Forests provide various raw materials such as timber, fuelwood, and fodder and a significant share thereof is often handled by women. However, these issues have been barely addressed in the scientific literature in Iran. This paper aims to illustrate the significance of raw material sourced from forests and the role of women in maintaining and improving rural households' livelihoods in mountainous villages of the Hyrcanian forests. A qualitative case study was conducted using interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Our results indicate that households use forest raw materials for building construction, improving agricultural production, generating energy, and livestock fodder. Forest thus has critical contributions to local livelihoods. These forest products are consumed in households and not traded with external partners. Families substitute forest raw materials partially with new products for increased multiple-use and convenience. The widespread use of wood, the deficit in infrastructure networks, the remoteness of villages, and the poor financial situation of local households, led to forests being the major source of raw materials. As forest products extraction and consumption are mainly feminine tasks in our study region, it will be essential for policymakers to consider the gender aspects of forest policies.
... Harvesting leaf fodder is a wide-range system with two important roles in rural areas of developing countries: First, in times of extreme climate conditions such as droughts, rural people use leaf fodder to meet production shortage in pastures. Second, compared to crop fodder, the leaves of most trees have higher nitrogen content, which is used to increase the low nutritional value of natural pastures and crop residues (Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018). ...
Forest ecosystem services are necessary for rural communities’ livelihood and wellbeing.
Forests provide various raw materials such as timber, fuelwood, and fodder and a significant share thereof is often handled by women. However, these issues have been barely addressed in the scientific literature in Iran. The objectives of this paper are to illustrate the significance of raw material sourced from forests and the role of women in maintaining and improving rural households' livelihoods in mountainous villages of the Hyrcanian forests. A qualitative case study was conducted using interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Our results indicate that households use forest raw materials for building construction, improving agricultural production, for generating energy, and as livestock fodder. Forest thus has critical contributions to local livelihoods. These forest products are consumed in households and not traded with external partners. Families substitute forest raw materials partially with new products for increased multiple use and convenience. The widespread use of wood, the deficit in infrastructure networks, the remoteness of villages, and the poor financial situation of local households, led to forests being the major source of raw materials. As forest products extraction and consumption are mainly feminine tasks in our study region, it will be essential for policymakers to consider the gender aspects of forest policies.
... In addition, pruning can increase the light within the crown and affect flower and fruit production (Timmer et al., 1996;Bayala et al., 2008). Pruning is also a consequence of harvesting leaves and branches that can then be applied to the soil as green manure, as mulch, or fed to livestock (Bayala et al., 2012;Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018). We, therefore, expected that pruning would be associated with the benefits of fodder and soil, which we did not find (Figure 4 and Supplementary Table 4). ...
Farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) is promoted as a cost-effective technique to restore degraded arable drylands. Evidence comes mainly from the West-African Sahel, where it is a traditional practice, and it is now being promoted across the African continent. In this study, we evaluated the role of the farmer affecting natural regeneration under farmer managed natural regeneration in the highly degraded Dodoma region in Tanzania. We systematically assessed the linkages between species selection, perceived benefits and management practices as reported by 57 farmers in 13 villages involved in FMNR. On average, farmers list 2.8 species to be promoted on their farms as part of the practice of FMNR. In total, a list of 69 species was promoted by the practice, of which most (51) were only mentioned by one or two farmers, indicating that FMNR may contribute substantially to on-farm regional diversity. Most species selected were associated with a range of benefits and the diversity of benefits, not any single benefit, explained species selection under FMNR. Management of FMNR species goes beyond pruning, a practice promoted within FMNR, and is characterized by 10 different practices that are differentially applied to the selected species and individuals. We conclude that species selection and management under FMNR is driven by farmers autonomous decisions, making FMNR both diverse and complex and complicates predicting the extent to which FMNR may successfully contribute to achieving specific restoration outcomes. Monitoring farms over extended periods may increase outcome prediction capacity.
... Residents were well aware of the importance of firewood to their communities, and suggested pruning of the forest trees and allowing them to collect the dead branches. However ecologically beneficial this approach may be (Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018), it is not under consideration or discussion. In some catchments in South Africa and Tanzania, the views of local residents are considered through community participation which has promoted the adoption of best practices, such as micro-dams, terrace farming, charco-dams, and storage tanks in catchments and subsequent improvement of water quality (Dungumaro & Madulu, 2003;Funke et al., 2007;Tumbo et al., 2011). ...
Since the 1990s, integrated catchment management (ICM) has been promoted as a holistic and integrated approach to water resources management. However, there is evidence to show that the costs and benefits associated with ICM are often inequitably distributed. This study investigates impacts of the implementation of catchment strategies on four rural communities and the coping mechanisms available to residents to cope with concomitant socioeconomic hardships within the Densu River basin, Ghana. The study relies on data collected through reviewing regulatory and policy documents, interviews, observations, and a household survey of 327 respondents. The results show that the implementation of the catchment strategies has negatively impacted the economies of all communities leading to local resistance. Increasing unemployment, decreasing incomes, and decreasing sales are generating increasing crime rates, out migration, and changing gender roles with additional burden on women. What compounds the problem are that socioeconomic interventions and coping mechanisms have failed to make any significant impact. We argue that for effective ICM, proportional representation of local people on catchment committees should be central in order to incorporate a thorough understanding of the local socioeconomic issues and integrating those issues into the implementation process; otherwise catchment strategies risk disproportionately impacting rural communities.
... During drought events, when there is no grass left, herders climb trees and cut the branches with machetes to give them to their cows and goats. Possibly, as three months before this study we had organized FGDs to discuss fodder trees (see Cuni-Sanchez et al., 2018), participants did not reiterate their importance, assuming that this had been previously discussed. ...
Tropical montane forests are amongst the most threatened ecosystems by climate change. However, little is known about climatic changes already observed in these montane areas in Africa, or the adaptation strategies used by pastoralist communities. This article, focused on three mountains in northern Kenya, aims to fill these knowledge gaps. Focus-group discussions with village elders were organized in 10 villages on each mountain (n = 30). Villages covered different pastoralist ethnic groups. Historical data on rainfall, temperature and fog were gathered from Marsabit Meteorological station. All participants reported changes in the amount and distribution of rainfall, fog, temperature and wind for the past 20–30 years; regardless of the mountain or ethnicity. They particularly highlighted the reduction in fog. Meteorological evidence on rainfall, temperature and fog agreed with local perceptions; particularly important was a 60% reduction in hours of fog per year since 1981. Starting farming and shifting to camel herding were the adaptive strategies most commonly mentioned. Some adaptive strategies were only mentioned in one mountain or by one ethnic group (e.g. starting the cultivation of khat). We highlight the potential use of local communities’ perceptions to complement climatic records in data-deficient areas, such as many tropical mountains, and emphasize the need for more research focused on the adaptation strategies used by pastoralists.