Although agroforestry may not be appropriate under certain land tenure circumstances, live fences can serve as one method of securing land ownership where the law permits. The example on the right, shows the use of Dracena usambarensis to clearly demarcate boundary lines in the Chagga homegardens on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. 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 fencerows. 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. This allows farmers to choose which product is of higher priority during different times of the year and adjust their management techniques accordingly. 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.