The World Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Kenya plays a key role in conserving tree genetic diversity, thereby contributing to the delivery of ecosystem services in tree-based production systems. This study explored the benefits of using the two most popular fodder tree species among smallholder farmers, sourced from the ICRAF genebank: Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) and Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia). Through a survey of key informants and genebank users, we examined the benefits derived from the adoption of Calliandra and Gliricidia and the unique role of the ICRAF genebank as the main source of tree germplasm for Kenyan smallholders. The constraints to germplasm access could limit protein fodder supply and the intensity of fertilization in farmers’ fields, which in turn could affect productivity in livestock and maize sectors in Kenya. We find that improved food security, higher incomes, increased milk production, reduced vulnerability to drought, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced soil fertility are identified as the main farmer-perceived benefits linked to the use of Calliandra and Gliricidia. The findings demonstrate the importance of agroforestry in the delivery of ecosystem services, in the light of climate change and heightened pressure for sustainable agricultural practices, and the crucial role of the genebank in conserving and distributing unique, high quality tree germplasm.

中文翻译：

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来自世界农林业基因库的树木种质对肯尼亚小农的使用和益处

肯尼亚的世界农林业（ICRAF）在保护树木遗传多样性方面发挥着关键作用，从而有助于在以树木为基础的生产系统中提供生态系统服务。本研究探讨了使用来自 ICRAF 基因库的两种最受小农户欢迎的饲料树种的好处：Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) 和 Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia)。通过对关键信息提供者和基因库用户的调查，我们研究了采用 Calliandra 和 Gliricidia 的好处以及 ICRAF 基因库作为肯尼亚小农树木种质主要来源的独特作用。种质获取的限制可能会限制蛋白质饲料供应和农民田间施肥的强度，进而可能影响肯尼亚畜牧业和玉米部门的生产力。我们发现，改善粮食安全、提高收入、增加牛奶产量、减少干旱脆弱性、减少土壤侵蚀和提高土壤肥力被确定为与使用 Calliandra 和 Gliricidia 相关的主要农民感知收益。研究结果表明，鉴于气候变化和对可持续农业实践的压力加大，农林业在提供生态系统服务方面的重要性，以及种质库在保护和分配独特、优质树种质方面的关键作用。