Perception of Smallholder Farmers on fodder Tree Utilization and Management for Livestock Production in the Mid-Hills of Nepal

A field survey was conducted in 2009 at Sundarbazar and Anppipal village development committees (VDC) of Lamjung and Gorkha districts to understand the indigenous fodder trees utilization and management practices in the middle hills of Nepal. 50 households from each VDC were selected randomly, whilst a pre-tested and adjusted questionnaire was used to collect the primary information by direct interview. 55% respondents responded that fodder trees contributed greater than 40% of total annual feed requirement. The year-round fodder availability, nursery establishment for fodder trees and agroforestry management activities were found well organized in Anppipal than Sundarbazar. Farmersʹ order of preferences of fodder trees remained on top for those having high nutritive values attributing to higher milk production on their perception. On an average, 33% of the respondents utilized community forest for livestock production. Likewise, 50% of the respondents had fodder tree planted in farmland system was highly beneficial for conservation of the soil and degraded land; and to support livestock production by 1/3rd of the respondents. Farmersʹ indigenous knowledge on fodder trees management was impressive in the survey sites in order to improve fodder tree utilization and management practices.