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The potential of alley farming in humid West Africa — a re-evaluation

Abstract

Previously published hypothesis concerning the potential impact of alley farming on maize yields are re-examined relative to the humid regions of West Africa. When more realistic assumptions regarding the availability of organic nitrogen are used, it is concluded that alley farming may have potential in a wider range of maize yield environments in West Africa than previously proposed. A pragmatic approach to alley farming research is proposed, and the importance of on-farm research in the development of ‘farmer friendly’ alley farming is stressed.

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(Former Agronomist, International Livestock Centre for Africa, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria)

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Sumberg, J.E., Atta-Krah, A.N. The potential of alley farming in humid West Africa — a re-evaluation. Agroforest Syst 6, 163–168 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02344753

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02344753

Key words

  • alley farming
  • hedgerow intercropping
  • Leucaena
  • West Africa