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

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Published: Dec 29, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21750/REFOR.14.05.100
Keywords:
Grevillea robusta, Net benefits, Small farmers, Rwanda

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Rene Niyomfura
a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:31:"Technische Universität Dresden";}
Gerald Kapp
Institute of International Forestry and Forest Products, Technische Universität Dreseden (TUD), Germany
Canisius Patrick Mugunga
Department of Forestry and Nature Conservation, College of Agriculture, Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda (UR), Rwanda
Jean de Dieu Niyomugabo
Department Rwanda Polytechnic/Integrated Polytechnic Regional College, Krongi, Rwanda

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$ 224ha-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.

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How to Cite
Niyomfura, Rene, Gerald Kapp, Canisius Patrick Mugunga, and Jean de Dieu Niyomugabo. “The Net Benefits of Silky Oak (Grevillea Robusta) for Small Farmers in Musanze District, Rwanda”. REFORESTA, no. 14 (December 29, 2022): 46-62. Accessed June 10, 2023. https://journal.reforestationchallenges.org/index.php/REFOR/article/view/172.
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No. 14 (2022)
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