What is agro-forestry?

KCSE Geography Paper 2 2012 Section B  Question 7.

​(a) (i) What is agro-forestry? 

• Is the deliberate growing of trees and crops/keeping of animals on a piece of land.

​(ii) Give four reasons why agro-forestry is encouraged in Kenya.

• To ensure continuous supply of wood fuel  to conserve forests
• Provides raw materials for industries.
• To conserve soil.
• To provide fruits /food for human consumption.
• Trees are a source of income to farmers.
• To provide fodder for animals.
• Trees act as wind breakers/provide shade to young plants.

(b) Use the map of Kenya below to answer questions b(i) and (ii).

(i) Name the forest resources marked H, J and K.

• H - Mt. Elgon
• J - Mt. Kenya
• K - Arabuko Sokoke

(ii) Explain four factors that favour the growth of natural forest in the area marked L. 

• The area receives high rainfall 1000 - 1500 mm per year which encourages the growth of trees.
• The area has deep well drained fertile volcanic soils that allow the roots to penetrate deep into the ground. /uptake/provision of nutrients.
• The area has moderate to cool temperatures that allow for the growth of a variety of trees. 
• The area is a gazetted forest hence settlement/cultivation is prohibited.
• Some areas are steep which discourages settlement and allow for forest growth.
• Enforcement of laws to allow re-establishment of forests.

​(c) Explain four problems facing forestry in Kenya.

• Rapid increase in population has led to encroachment into forest land hence destruction of forests.
• Occurrence of forest fires which have led to the destruction of large areas under forest.
• Illegal logging has led to indiscriminate cutting of trees’ thereby reducing/depleting indigenous tree species.
• Attacks by pest/diseases has led to destruction of valuable tree species.
• Trees are damaged by some wild animals through debarking/trampling/uprooting.
• At times, the government allocates land to private developers thus reducing the land under forest.
• Prolonged droughts lead to drying of some trees.

​Related Geography Searches on forestry Form 2 Level

Read More