6 March 2014: The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) has released a working paper, titled ‘Agroforestry, Livestock, Fodder Production and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in East Africa – issues and options,’ which has a particular focus on calliandra.

The paper examines the role of tree fodder in livestock systems as well as options for diversification. The publication also explores the projected impacts of climate change on tree fodder production and suggests possible adaptation responses. Management options explored in the paper include farmer managed natural regeneration of trees and shrubs; cut-and-carry livestock feeding systems; and the growth of fodder crops.

To improve responses to climate change, the publication calls for better tree fodder tree stock, increased availability of a wide range of tree fodder species, and enhanced extension services to support planting, propagation and use. The paper also calls for further research, particularly with regard to the identification of new tree fodder species, the impacts of shifts to smaller livestock species, climate change impacts on phenology, the links between tree fodder and other investments in fodder production, and dairy industry expansion and opportunities for the further promotion of agroforestry.

ICRAF is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [Publication: Agroforestry, Livestock, Fodder Production and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in East Africa – issues and options]