Subproject

E04 - Flora and vegetation of rainforests in East Africa - conservation and sustainable use

Workpackage

WP2: Distribution and abundance of plant species originating from Kakamega Forest in farms and agricultural landscape elements

Project leader(s)

Prof. Dr. Eberhard Fischer
Prof Dr. Matthias Becker
Dr. Frank Mussgnug

Project description

Small scale structures like isolated trees or tree-corridors, as an buffer zone between agricultural areas, play an important role in maintenance of diversity in a fragmented landscape. As a stepping stone this buffer zones provide a hideaway and also interexchange of endangered species connecting isolated forests.
An inventory of forest plant species found in the agricultural landscape of Kakamega will be compiled. Influence on distribution and abundance of forest plant species by ecological conditions (wetlands, fallow land, fence lines, remaining large trees) and distance to Kakamega Forest will be studied. The results of this study will allow an assessment of the feasibility of integrating valuable forest plant species in the prevailing farming systems in Kakamega District. The research studies will demonstrate farmers, how they will profit from ecological and economical benefits of pasture trees. Important tree species with respect to medical use, conservation of endangered species or pollinators (birds, insects) could be recommended for planting.

Keywords

tree corridors; fragmentation

Contribution to
cross-cutting themes (CCT)

• Monitoring and assessment of biodiversity in space and time (Theme1)
• Understanding human use, value and impact in space and time (Theme3)
• Recommendations and measures for sustainable use of biodiversity (Theme4)

Link to Subproject