The example on the right, shows the use of Dracena usambarensis to clearly demarcate boundary lines in the Chagga homegardens on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. On the left, another example of Dracena usambarensis that farmers harvest periodically for export of stakes to the ornamental plants industry in Europe. Seed Banks Farmers can also collect seeds from these live fences that can serve as functional seed banks. In the river valleys of eastern Sonora, Mexico, flood plain farming is dependent upon living fences. Propagated fencerows of willow and cottonwood maintain, extend and enhance flood plain fields.
Farmers often allow live fences to grow tall and serve as wind breaks to protect cropland.
Fodder and Fuelwood Leaves, branches and twigs pruned from livefences and live fence posts provide farmers with an on farm source of fodder and fuelwood. The example on the left shows a Cupressus lusitanica live fence in the highlands of Kenya, being managed for pole and firewood production. Live fences around the perimeter of the farm can act as nutrient traps, preventing loss of nutrients that could normally be lost through leaching or surface runoff. Fruits, Flowers and Medicinal Products Farmers can also plant fruit trees to supplement their diet and provide the household with important micro-nutrients, often lacking in some diets. The fruit can also be sold in the market to contribute to household income.