Cassava landraces and indigenous tree interactions in agro ecological zones of Uganda

There are issues and practices that influence farmers’ decision for cassava and tree intercrop choices on the farm. The aim of this research was to evaluate the traditional conservation management practices of cassava landraces and tree interactions in three agro-ecological zones of Uganda. Data were collected using simple random sampling method and focus group discussions with farmers in cassava growing areas from three agro-ecological zones (Lake Victoria crescent, Lake Albert, and West Nile). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The study found that farmers intercrop cassava landraces with different indigenous trees species for different purposes. The cassava landraces intercropped with trees on the farm by farmers included Bukalasa, Kalimanzila, Kalintusi, Kawogo, Kwatamumpare, Abiri, Kazimwenge, Kirimumpare, Mulyandongo, Nyakakwa, Nyalanda, Nyruiwic, Serengule, Welobedyo, Abiria, Akaral, Bali, Drua, Malukwa and Tongolo. Findings show that the most common trees in the intercrop with cassava included avocado, mangoes, jackfruit, maesopsis, ficus coffee and Albizia spp. Also, tree pruning, pollarding, lopping, spot planting and hedge planting were the key tree management practices for better yield in tree-cassava intercrop system. The findings suggested that cassava landraces and tree intercropping is a key driver for climate-smart agriculture and this requires attention among the technologies for mitigating climate change effects.