March 24th 2015 By: arochakenya
About 80% of Kenya is arid and semi-arid. These areas have been associated with less or no productivity. Most of the trees found in  these areas  shed leaves during the dry season. The leaves do not decompose easily in absence of moisture, hence low soil fertility. Most tree species would not do well in such areas but the most dominant and suitable tree or shrub in arid areas is the acacia.
In the Sahara Desert, for instance, towards the edge of Western Africa, countries such as Niger have used Faidherbia albida, a type of acacia to reclaim the desert. Once  acacia has been established, the area becomes fit for agriculture again. Faidherbia albida has a reversed phenology thus it sheds its leaves in the wet season and remains green throughout the dry season. It is suitable for agroforestry as it protects crops from excessive sunlight and provides shade for the soil hence conserving moisture. When other trees  shed their leaves, acacia provides foliage for animals. Its narrow leaves allow adequate light from the Sun to pass through, reaching  the crops for photosynthesis. During the rainy season the acacia leaves decompose easily when they fall due to availability of moisture, and their organic matter is incorporated into the soil for plants.
There is, however, a general negative perception towards acacia because of its thorns, when indeed there is a host of benefits associated with it. Nitrogen fixation, nesting sites for birds (especially the white-browed sparrow weaver), bee keeping, medicinal uses, source of true gum arabic, home for a variety of insects and browse material for zebras and giraffes, are some of the benefits of acacia. In the Sahelian region, acacia is associated with improved crop yield. In line with our mission, transforming lives through restored ecosystems, A Rocha Kenya is promoting the propagation of acacia and we have thousands of seedlings on sale at our Karen offices.