The participatory tree domestication approach

Abstract

A centralised approach to agroforestry tree domestication allows advanced methods to be used to produce improved genetic material, but can be expensive as well as disconnected from the requirements of small- scale farmers. This approach is normally implemented on research stations and the outputs are research publications and improved germplasm for mass production by others. Using experiences with indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) gained in Central Africa, ICRAF has developed a decentralised approach to domestication that is implemented by farmers on their own farms, with mentoring by scientists and extension agents. Experiences make clear that there are many benefits to this participatory approach, including relevance for farmers and the speed of adoption of research. A limitation however is that it can only be applied when the trees of importance to farmers are already found in local landscapes. Key to the participatory domestication approach is the establishment of RRCs that play a central role in addressing the production and market constraints experienced by communities. RRC activities include germplasm production and distribution, providing training, making available farm management services as well as grading and processing facilities, and the provision of market information