The Use Ofgliricidia Sepiumfor Alley Cropping in the Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

SUMMARY Exploratory surveys were conducted at Ilorin and Alateko in the Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria to gain an improved understanding of traditional farming systems and solicit farmers' views on the use of Gliricidia sepium (Syn. G. maculata) for alley cropping. Gliricidia was previously unknown at Alateko but quite popular in Ilorin, where it was used mainly for staking and fencing. The use of gliricidia for alley cropping was treated with some disdain by farmers at Ilorin since it suggested an element of permanence and high tree density. Fast shoot and root growth rates of gliricidia were seen as major problems.