Like Conservation Farming, agroforestry puts into place conditions to help successful tree and crop planting. Agroforestry is a system of land-use management in which trees are grown amongst and around cropland. The major goals of TIST are accomplished by the introduction and cultivation of agroforestry. When successfully adopted, this practice improves soil quality, biodiversity, and crop yield.

TIST has developed certain best practices in the realm of agroforestry and tree planting that aid in successful implementation. The use of indigenous species, and species that do not use too much water, are considered best practices. Collecting diverse and healthy seeds and storing them properly are also considered best practices. TIST has found that mixing species of fruit, nut, fodder, and firewood trees is a best practice, as diversification not only provides increased co-benefits but also helps to address various threats to the grove.

One best practice that has created particularly good results is the introduction of raised seedbeds. Because roots have a tendency to coil and weaken in a traditional nursery, the use of an elevated structure is critical to the cultivation of successfully transplantable trees. Small Groups work together to construct and utilize raised nurseries in the early stages of sapling cultivation.

Thinning is another practice that has developed in order to meet the needs of TIST participants while advancing the goal program goals. Rather than occasionally clear cutting, the best practice of thinning involves taking down individually selected trees throughout the groves. This allows the remaining trees to thrive while providing necessary firewood and fodder to participants.

TIST Newsletters

The latest "Mazingira Bora" newsletters from Kenya

October 2019

September 2019

August 2019

June 2019

The latest "The Tree" newsletters from Uganda

September 2019

August 2019

July 2019

June 2019