At Green Gold Social, we believe that agroforestry is about more than just planting trees; it’s about creating a balanced system that benefits crops, livestock, and the environment. Through our Chongwe Agroforestry Initiative, we’re working with over 300 farmers from three villages, providing each with 100 trees and training them in sustainable agriculture.

We focus on two key tree species: Leucaena and Gliricidia sepium. These trees are nitrogen-fixing, which improves soil health, and their nutritious leaves serve as excellent fodder for cows, goats, and sheep. This integration boosts productivity for both crops and livestock.

Design is crucial in our approach. We ensure that the trees do not compete with maize, the primary crop in the area. Maize has a short growth cycle of about three months, while Leucaena and Gliricidia can live for over five years. This means maize can fully utilize available resources before the trees begin to establish themselves.

Water efficiency is another important aspect of our design. We nurture our seedlings for over two months before planting them in the fields. By the time they are planted, they require very little water to get established, preventing competition with maize during its critical growth phase.

In this pilot project, we are solely focused on Gliricidia and Leucaena due to their proven benefits for soil health and livestock nutrition. By concentrating our efforts, we can better evaluate their impact on agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.

Overall, thoughtful design in agroforestry systems is essential for creating sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating trees that enhance soil health while supporting livestock without competing with crops, we aim to foster resilient farming systems that benefit everyone involved.