Growing and managing acacia mearnsii (black wattle) in Kenya

Abstract

The paper outlines the potential gains a small scale farmer in Kenya stands to achieve by investing in the Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) tree. A survey which included two case studies, was conducted in wattle growing areas. The survey and the case studies revealed that investment in the growth and management of ~. mearnsii for bark, post and pole production gives good returns. The magnitude of the return was increased by including maize into the management system. The level and intensity of management employed had an influence on the magnitude of the returns.