Net benefits of silky oak (Grevillea robusta) for small farmers in Musanze District, Rwanda

Rene Niyomfura ,
Rene Niyomfura
Gerald Kapp ,
Gerald Kapp
Canisius Patrick Mugunga ,
Canisius Patrick Mugunga
Jean de Dieu Niyomugabo
Jean de Dieu Niyomugabo

Editor: Vladan Ivetić

Published: 29.12.2022.

Volume 0, Issue 14 (2022)

pp. 46-62;

https://doi.org/10.21750/refor.14.05.100

Abstract

This study was conducted in Musanze district, Rwanda, to evaluate the net benefits of silky oak (Grevillea robusta) production for small farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 100 households distributed in four villages. The cost-benefit ratio was used as a decision-making tool. A diameter tape and a Haga altimeter were used to measure the DBH and height of grevillea and other dominant agroforestry tree species. Results indicate that 66 % of laborers were family members, gaining 625 Rwf per person day with grevillea production (US$ 0.61, with 4-8 hours of work per day. Also, results show that farmers earn 57,950 Rwandan Francs (Rwf) per hectare per year (US$ 57.48 from grevillea products (stakes, poles, charcoal, and timber), whereas the mean investment in grevillea production is 54,200 Rwf ha-1 year-1 (US$ 53.76. The net farm income is 3,225 Rwf (US$ 3.2 ha-1 year-1. The net benefit from grevillea product is affected by poor farmer data record as the majority of67% of respondents has not attended any formal education. However, farmers gain additional benefits of US$ 628, US$ 298, and US$ 224 ha-1 year-1 from potatoes, maize, and bean, respectively, depending on their crop choice during intercropping with grevillea. The benefit-cost ratio is 1.06, which highlights the modest profitability of growing grevillea on the farm. In addition, soil erosion control, soil fertility increase, landslide prevention, shade provision, microclimate improvement, and biodiversity conservation were reported as ecosystem services of grevillea on the farm. Growth performance of grevillea (diameter at breast height, tree height, and volume) is analyzed in all four villages. The study shows that growing grevillea is profitable for smallholder farmers via tree products and farm benefits, including ecosystem services aspects.

Keywords

References

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Citation

Funding Statement

This research was funded by The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of the scholarship. They allocated the grant for the flight to and from Germany and Rwanda, which was the field research area, in the northern part of Rwanda, Musanze district. This study was supposed to be carried out in one of the tropical countries, which red me to decide Rwanda due to the pandemic, I couldn’t choose any other country for the field research but only my home country, as the connection to the administrative and field data collection activities would be only possible compared to any other foreign country in the lock down. The grant was covered the local transport, meal, telephone calls as well as all the data collection related activities. Thanks to Germany government through DAAD for giving me this opportunity and grant my studies and field research activities back to my home country.

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