Comparison of the perceived and “unseen” value of trees in Kamuli district in Eastern Uganda

Farmers’ knowledge on agro ecosystems is essential in sustainable tree-crop integration and management. Understanding the various ways farmers attach value to agrarian trees and a scientific evaluation on the contribution of trees in terms of their influence towards crop performance can enable farmers and all interested bodies make sound management decisions for improved livelihood. The study examined the farmer’s perception of agrarian trees in Namasagali parish located in Kamuli district, eastern Uganda. This was based on the influence of trees on Below Ground Biodiversity (BGBD) and crop performance under the tree canopies. Purposive sampling was considered in determining the sampling population, Willingness to Accept (WTA) valuation method to capture farmer’s perception and the market price method for capturing crop performance. For BGBD, a soil sample of (20cm x 20cm) stretched and 15 cm deep was excavated under and outside the tree canopies, placed on a white cloth and organisms within counted. Focus was on the 11 dominant macro soil organisms. The most dominant trees were Ficus natalensis (72%), Ficus sycomorus (6%), Persea americana (4%), Ficus ovata (6%), Markhamia lutea (2%), Mangifera indica (2%), Artocarpus heterophyllus (2%), Albizia coriaria (4%) and Milicia excelsa (2%). The total composition of soil organisms was greater under the tree canopies than outside the tree canopies (13089 > 7461). The farmer’s perceived value was less than the calculated and “unseen” value. Soil organisms were found explaining 99% of the variations in the crop amount (P < 0.05). Enhancing the farmer’s knowledge will increase their willingness to adopt sustainable scientific options for cropping systems thus improving livelihoods.