Eastern Africa (EA) region is amongst the poorest in the world with more than 60% of the population living below the poverty line. It is characterized by low agricultural productivity and thus food insecurity. Contributing factors such as high populations, small land sizes, environmental degradation; Poor marketing structures; Inadequate access to information Poor physical and institutional infrastructure and Inappropriate government policies have held back the sustainable development of rural areas. The region includes a diversity of farming systems, from the humid highlands of Uganda, the coastal areas on Tanzania and Kenya to the drylands of Sudan and Ethiopia. Cropping systems including maize, sorghum and teff are common as well as extensive grazing and intensive dairy and vegetable, coffee and tea production.

EverGreen Agriculture in the Region

EverGreen Agriculture systems are building in popularity, including FMNR, CAWT and Conventional agricultural systems with trees. Highlights include:

Faidherbia Parklands of Ethiopia

A national commitment to establish 100 000 Faidherbia albida trees on agricultural land in Ethiopia, by the late Prime Minister Meles has mobilized action behind the development of a National Momona Strategy, and the establishment of fertilizer trees into cropping lands across the landscape.

Conservation Agriculture with Trees in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania

Integrating fertilizer trees and shrubs into conservation agriculture systems of maize production has been found to successfully increase yields, while providing additional mulch, and fodder for farmers, as well as business opportunities for nurseries and volunteer farmer trainers. For more information see: http://bit.ly/1hUlCEC