Shamba (Swahili for 'plantation'; pl. Mashamba) is an agroforestry system practiced in East Africa, particularly Kenya. In these lands various crops are combined: bananas, beans, yams and corn, to which are added timber resources, beekeeping, medicinal herbs, mushrooms, forest fruits, fodder for livestock, etc. Thanks to this polyculture, farmers obtain a higher share of income, food and employment. Furthermore, it is more sustainable and generates a smaller ecological footprint than monocultures.
