26 November 2013: The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) has released the results of the KNOWFOR project to promote and share good practices for tree management and agroforestry in drylands in Africa.

The project enhanced resilience to shocks such as drought in drylands so as to reduce dependence on international aid. Activities under the project included a review of trees and tree ecologies in drylands and a write-shop to develop communication materials as well as a policy brief, technical brief and factsheets.

The outputs of the write-shop provide material for dissemination to parliamentarians, government officials, non-governmental organizations, farmers’ and pastoralists’ associations, and other civil society organizations. Together the report and communication material focus on the role of forests in the provision of critical ecosystem services and livelihood options as well as the potential of forests and trees to increase resilience among drylands populations.

Specific benefits of trees and forests outlined in the material include the provision of food, fodder, and medicine during drought as well as longer-term adaptation benefits through the maintenance of more productive landscapes. The material also notes the rapid regeneration of trees following drought in contrast to other livelihood options such as livestock.

The project was implemented jointly with the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) between May and October 2013. ICRAF is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [KNOWFOR Website] [Publication: ICRAF Policy Brief No. 18 – Trees and Resilience] [Publication: Technical Brief – Farmer managed natural regeneration]