Optimization of melia volkensii (gurke) as an alternative mpts in dryland agroforestry systems for soil and water conservation

Abstract

Melia volkensii is an indigenous multipurpose tree species endemic to sub-humid and semi-arid areas of Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. This species is considered as a potential plantation and agroforestry tree species in semi-arid areas. However, it has not been widely planted because seedling production and other management protocols are not yet sufficiently developed. This study was initiated to look into the optimization of Melia volkensii at on-farms and how it interacts with food crops, live stock, wild animals and its management regimes in semi-arid parts of Kibwezi Division of Makueni District. The results obtained indicated that the small-scale farmers could optimize the maximum utility of Melia volkensii by domesticating it on their farms better than on fallow bushes. Soil moisture conservation was found to be high under Melia trees in dry season than under Baobab tree. Domestication and optimization of Melia volkensii as an indigenous MPTS can help to solve some of the socio-economic problems that are faced by rural people in ASAL regions, which limits agroforestry practices, while encouraging investments in farm-forestry through improved yields, better quality fodder, and shorter rotation periods. Different propagation techniques were tried out at on-farm level, collection of wildings and root suckers were done at on-farms and other germination techniques were also tried at the ARIDSAK project at Kibwezi forestry research station. The results obtained indicated that under field conditions seed propagation through different germination media were not successful, instead, wildings collection during the November/December long rains and then potted at on-farm tree nurseries, was the most successful method of propagation. Optimization and utilization of Melia volkensii as an indigenous MPTS by the small-hold farmers has actually led to its domestication in the semi-arid areas. This study evaluated the optimization and domestication of Melia volkensii (Gurke), as a means of improving yield on a sustainable basis and developed predictive models under dry land agroforestry systems as practiced by the local farmers in semi-arid parts of Makueni District (Kibwezi Division). It therefore recommends that suitable propagation techniq~es through wilding collection either from root suckers or from naturally germinated seeds, is the only cheaper alternative, which is farmer friendly method for raising seedlings.