Response and intensification of fruit trees in mitigation of degraded farmlands and adaptation to climate change in farming communities

Abstract

The response for acceptance of fruit trees in farmland was determined in four selected villages in Morogoro region. Farmers realizing the level of farmland degradation were highly motivated to adopt the innovation for incorporation of adapted fruit tree species in their farms and household premises. In order to fast track fruit tree planting activities for the purpose of reducing the impact of climate change in local farming communities, at total 2,600 of different grafted/budded (1,400) and non grafted seedlings from fruit tree species adapted to these areas were distributed and planted to three villages; Msingisi, Masenge (Gairo) and Mlimani ward (Morogoro). Most of transplanted fruit trees (72.6%) survived. Furthermore, for intensified and sustainable planting of fruit trees in the target and nearby villages, one nursery site was established and 50 farmers were trained in plant propagation and nursery establishment. A total of 1,200 Avocado rootstocks were raised and more than 80% (900 seedlings) of them have been successfully grafted. The use of fruit tree species as a strategic intervention for mitigation and adaptation to climate change in the study areas has been received positively with increasing demand for more fruit trees per village.