Indigenous Fruit Trees Research Articles

Local preference of indigenous fruit trees in Coast Province, Kenya

Indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) have various benefits such as enhancing nutrition and food security, but face threats of deforestation and genetic erosion. This paper focused on identification of the local people’s preference of IFT. Research methods mainly involved field survey in Coast province, Kenya and analysis was by the conjoint analytical method. The survey results were as follows: (1) By the preference test, local people thought “wood products” was the most important consideration in the selection of IFT, and the next was “food value”; (2) By the utilization test, local people recognized IFT with “marketability” and “food value” as the priority species; (3) By the market survey, the trade and incomes from IFT were found to be small, while the income from IFT was limited by seasonality. In conclusion, the main factor contributing to the decrease of IFTs was the high logging pressure in accordance with the finding that the “wood products” factor came higher than “marketability” which is considered as the main source of incentive to conserve IFTs. To effectively conserve or enhance the growth of IFTs, these local preferences should be considered. Key words: Indigenous fruit tree (IFT), Coast province in Kenya, local preference, strategy, conjoint analytical method

Advances in domestication of indigenous fruit trees in the West African Sahel

Fruit trees play an important nutritional role for livelihoods of rural people in the West African Sahel through provision of energy and nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Research on the domestication of local fruit trees has started recently through projects concentrating on some of the most important indigenous species of dry West Africa, i.e. Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Vitellaria paradoxa and Ziziphus mauritiana. We present a status of finalised and ongoing domestication research with the aim of defining research gaps that would need to be covered by future research activities to obtain higher yields and better quality fruits. Germplasm collection in central West Africa has been intense compared to elsewhere in the species’ distribution areas, but conservation status of the material is poor since it is only planted in few trials. Knowledge of genetic parameters, especially for fruit traits, is almost absent, but characterisation of genotypes is underway for some of the species. Mating systems and patterns are still unknown for many species. Efficient vegetative propagation based on simple techniques was shown to be possible for all species except P. biglobosa. In order to secure immediate as well as long term gains, we recommend combining clonal propagation of selected plus individuals with recombination and breeding of selected genotypes. We discuss whether local institutions in the Sahel have the financial capacity to carry out long term breeding programmes, and suggest that efforts should be made to find new ways of disseminating improved germplasm.

ANALYSIS OF MUSA PROCESSING BUSINESSES AND THEIR SUPPORT ENVIRONMENT IN MALAWI

An analysis of Musa processing businesses and their support environment in Malawi was carried out in 2005 by a national team with various expertise and experiences. The study aimed to identify all banana-based (Musa spp.) products on the market including processing and marketing procedures. The other aim was to profile all the small-scale Musa processing businesses including their support service providers. Results revealed that there are a lot of informal businesses related to Musa like wine, snack, handcraft and paper making, and drying of ripe bananas. The manufacturing industry is using bananas as a flavoring ingredient. However, these are being faced with a lot of challenges and hence need support from other key players like financial, technology development and training institutions, and organizations that supply inputs for production and packaging. Business information and services are available, though not readily to end users. This entails that the potential for up scaling of small-scale Musa processing businesses is possible as long as there is creation of an enabling environment where all the concerned stakeholders have one goal. The emergence of small-scale Musa processing businesses has led to an improvement in rural livelihoods as evidenced by the fact that most of the groupings are moving towards being more organized and self-sufficient in their operations by constructing their own buildings and purchasing modern equipment. This is more evident with a project initiated by the World Agroforestry Center on the domestication of indigenous fruit trees which has now grown into a potentially lucrative banana-based business.

Emmanuel Kreike. Deforestation and Reforestation in Namibia: The Global Consequences of Local Contradictions. Princeton, N.J.: Marcus Wiener Publishers, 2010. xviii + 224 pp. Maps. Photographs. Bibliography. Index. $88.95 Hardcover. $28.95 Paper.

Emmanuel Kreike. Deforestation and Reforestation in Namibia: The Global Consequences of Local Contradictions. Princeton, N.J.: Marcus Wiener Publishers, 2010. xviii + 224 pp. Maps, Photographs. Bibliography. Index. $88.95 Hardcover. $28.95 Paper. In Deforestation and Reforestation, Kreike draws from his earlier work on the socio-environmental history of Ovamboland to confront modern paradigms of environmental change. Modernizationists view Western conservation science and technology, guided by state authority, as mastering world environments and overturning destructive, irrational indigenous natural resource use. Declinists argue that Western science, capitalism, and commodification have disrupted a pristine nature characterized by indigenous people in harmony with their environments, ushering in environmental decline. Inclinists place faith in indigenous knowledge and resource use to solve environmental problems, eschewing alarmist claims about environmental degradation. They all, in Kreike 's view, posit false dichotomies that separate nature from culture, wilderness from civilization, overlooking historical paradoxes that do not fit neatly into any single framework. Kreike offers historical evidence from Ovamboland, a region bisected by the AngolanNamibian border, to argue for a view of environmental change that is nonlinear, and that accepts the reality of historical paradoxes and contradictions in local environments. Despite the title, there are few forests in this book. Yet the forestry case study perhaps best illustrates Kreike 's main argument. Nineteenth-century European explorers, missionaries, and colonial conquerors entered into a floodplain environment between the Cunene and Okavongo rivers that was densely populated and heavily forested, punctuated by Ovambo grain fields and cattle kraals. One hundred years later, Ovamboland was again heavily forested, although not in the same locales or with the same tree species of the previous century, but rather with fruit trees that had accompanied and facilitated Ovambo migration from Angola into Namibia. In the interval, Ovamboland had gone through decades of caused by the influx of refugees, who used trees to build fortified homesteads and fire to clear floodplain and bush lands for grain crops. Over time Ovambo migrants actively and passively propagated indigenous fruit trees, recreating, but not replicating, the dense forest environment of the previous century. This is a familiar argument in recent African forest history. Depending on the point at which evidence is sought, Kreike argues, one will find dramatic deforestation or spectacular reforestation in the same landscape, challenging linear views of environmental change. Other chapters present similar paradoxes. While many histories see colonialism as integrating African societies into modern international commodity networks, Kreike argues that before colonialism began, Ovambo people were already well-integrated into global commodity networks by supplying tens of thousands of cattle to regional and Atlantic markets. …

Domestication of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry Lecomte) by air layering

Irvingia gabonensis is one of the most important indigenous fruit tree species in African humid tropics. Methods have been developed for phenotypic selection and vegetative propagation of this species; but techniques for the capture of desired traits through inexpensive technological methods are still lacking. A series of experiments were conducted to assess the effects of auxin (Seradix-2) application (treated and untreated marcotts), branch diameter (2-3cm, and 4 - 5 cm), and position in the crown (lower, middle and upper) on the rooting of marcotts on one hand; and the combined effect of branch length and diameter (50 cm length, 2 - 3 cm diameter), (50 cm length, 4 - 5 cm diameter), (100 cm length, 2 - 3 cm diameter), (100 cm length, 4 - 5 cm diameter), (150 cm length, 2 - 3 cm diameter), (150 cm length, 4 - 5 cm diameter) on the survival of rooted marcotts on other hand. After 12 months, the proportion of rooted marcotts was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for untreated (50 ± 7.3%), than for treated marcotts (31 ± 6.7%). Marcotts of 3 - 5 cm diameter rooted significantly better (46.9 ± 5.1%) than those of 2 - 3 cm of diameter (32.1 ± 5.2%). Branch position in the crown did not affect rooting ability of marcotts. After 8 weeks, the highest survival rate of weaned marcotts (40%) was observed for those with 100 cm length and 2 - 3 cm diameter while the highest mortality rate was obtained for those with 150 cm length and 4 - 5 cm of diameter (90%). It can be therefore concluded from this study that I. gabonensis is amenable to air-layering but further studies are needed to improve the survival rate during the weaning period. Key words: Irvingia gabonensis, domestication, marcotting, rooting ability, auxin, branch diameter, length and position

Morphological variation in Balanites aegyptiaca fruits and seeds within and among parkland agroforests in eastern Niger

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile. is one of the priority indigenous fruit trees for rural communities in the West African Sahel. As part of a participatory tree domestication program in Niger, phenotypic variation in fruit and seed morphology was assessed in four natural populations in eastern Niger. Measured variables were weight of the fruit, seed coat and kernel; length and width of the fruit and seed (25 trees per population, 30 fruits per tree). Derived variables were the tree’s coefficient of variation (CVs) for each measured variable, and two sets of factor scores from principal components analysis of tree means and CVs. ANOVA indicated significant variation in all measured variables due to trees nested in populations. ANOVA and simple linear regression indicated significant geographic variation in some variables: the drier parts of the sample region tended to have heavier fruits and kernels, longer/narrower seeds, and lower within-tree variability in fruit and seed width. Length and width were strongly correlated between fruits and seeds, fruit weight was moderately correlated with seed dimensions, and CVs of fruit weight and width were moderately correlated with the CV of seed width. Some hypotheses for the geographic variation are presented, and some practical implications of the correlations for tree domestication programs are discussed.

Barriers and Coping Mechanisms Relating to Agroforestry Adoption by Smallholder Farmers in Zimbabwe

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate agroforestry adoption by smallholder farmers in Gutu District, Zimbabwe. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology was based on field data collected through household questionnaires, key informant interviews and direct observations. Findings: Major findings reveal that traditional agroforestry was common in the study area. There were no cases of innovative agroforestry other than dwindling remnants from a former trees-with-pasture project. Majority of respondents were willing to adopt innovative agroforestry technologies to improve yields and income. Damage and destruction of plants by pests and animals due to lack of fences emerged as the major challenges to the adoption of agroforestry. Other challenges included seed availability and labour requirements. Possible coping strategies, identified through consulting farmers and other stakeholders, would include local initiatives and support from outside the community. Local and external efforts are required especially to secure inputs and raise awareness, knowledge and skills with respect to specific agroforestry technologies. Practical Implications: The paper presents pointers on the involvement of women in agroforestry and on the cultural significance of indigenous and exotic fruit trees. It provides practical lessons useful to extension or rural development workers in a localised set-up. Originality/Value: The case study gives an insight into the problems faced by peasant farmers and the requirements to make agroforestry successful. Practitioners in southern Africa could learn a great deal about issues relating to smallholder farmers from reading this paper.

Seed germination of java plum (Syzigium cumnii) in three provenances western Kenya

Indigenous fruits are very important as sources of food security, balanced households nutrition. Deforestation poses a serious threat to their survival. Domestication of these trees can be successful only if successful propagation techniques are applied. In Kenya Syzigium cuminii has become a very important indigenous fruit tree for local consumption and income generation and it mainly grows in Siaya, Vihiga and Kisumu districts. Studies were conducted in Maseno, Kenya (2004 - 2005) to investigate variation of seed germination of S. cuminii in three districts (provenances) mentioned above. The experimental design used was completely randomized design. The treatments included different watering regimes and light and darkness durations respectively. The results showed that both light and irrigation regimes significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the germination of S. cuminii but 24 h darkness inhibited it. The best treatment was 12 h light. S. cuminiiseeds are therefore photodormant since they require light to germinate. There was no variation of seed germination among the districts (provenances). Key words: Light, water, photodormancy, provenance, germination.

Population structure and abundance of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hochst subsp. birrea in two contrasting land-use systems in Benin.

The importance of indigenous fruit tree species for people living around protected areas is widely acknowledged. There is then a need to assess their conservation status in the current context of increasing human population and pressure around reserves. We investigated the population structure of Sclerocarya birrea, a multiple-use tree species in two land use systems in Northern Benin. Adult density was about nine times higher in the protected area (p < 0.001) compared to agroforestry systems (agro-systems). Seedling occurrence was similar in both land use type even though seed germination was best favoured in agro-systems. Saplings and adults with 5 - 20 cm dbh were almost absent in agro-systems. The mean diameter in agroforestry systems was about twice higher than in the protected area. Although a log-linear analysis showed a difference in the size class distributions between land use types (p < 0.0001), they were all positively skewed. Green’s index showed a clumped distribution in the protected area (0.48) compared to agro-systems (0.05). Population structure variation could mainly be explained by agricultural pressure. Saplings conservation is required in agro-systems to ensure sustainable use. Key words: Population structure, Sclerocarya birrea, land use, agroforestry systems, protected area.

Propagule Type Affects Growth and Fruiting of Uapaca kirkiana, a Priority Indigenous Fruit Tree of Southern Africa

One of the limitations of Uapaca kirkiana on-farm cultivation is the long juvenile phase to reach a stable fruiting stage. Marcots and grafts have been identified as feasible and reliable propagation methods for precocious fruiting, but the effects of different propagule types on tree growth and fruit yield have not been evaluated. There is limited knowledge on development and growth forms for trees derived from different propagules. Grafts and marcots were compared with saplings to assess the variability in 1) field growth and fruiting of U. kirkiana; and 2) dry matter allocation pattern and tree development models among trees derived from different propagules. Tree development models were used to examine differences among trees from different propagules. The results show that number of branches and fruit load significantly differed between vegetative propagules and saplings, whereas tree height, root collar diameter, crown spread, and fruit size and weight were similar 8 years after establishment. The results suggest differences in intraspecific scaling relationships between height and diameter among propagule sources. Saplings showed a significantly better fit (r2 = 0.891; P &lt; 0.0001) to the scaling relationship than grafts (r2 = 0.724; P = 0.002) and marcots (r2 = 0.533; P = 0.018). After 3 years, marcots and grafts started producing fruits. Fruit load was greatest in marcots despite some fruit abortions; thus, marcots had greater fruit yield, early growth, and development and better dry matter allocation.

Co-occurring tree species show contrasting sensitivity to ENSO-related droughts in planted dipterocarp forests

This study explores the diversity in sensitivity to drought of moist tropical forest tree species. Yearly tree growth records collected over a ten-year period in two one-hectare 70-year-old damar agroforest plots in Sumatra are analysed. These agroforests are mixed tree plantations, dominated by Shorea javanica K. & V., a dipterocarp tree cultivated and tapped for its commercially valuable resin (damar). Many indigenous fruit tree species grow in these agroforests, as well as timber tree species originating from the nearby natural forest. During the census period the multi-species stands were subjected to three El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-related droughts (1994, 1997 and 2002). At the tree community level, these droughts were associated with a marked decrease in radial stem growth. Multilevel modelling was used to explore the relative contribution of species, tree size and individual tree characteristics to the observed response to drought. All tree species appeared to be sensitive to drought but the amplitude of the response varied significantly across species. Predicted species mean decrease in stem radial growth rate on drought years (i.e. years with 6 months with less than 50 mm/month rainfall) ranged from less than 5% to more than 80%. Shared species were ranked consistently between plots indicating that the results were robust. Stem diameter significantly affected tree sensitivity to drought in two species only, but in opposite ways: in S. javanica, larger trees appeared to be less sensitive while the opposite was true for Lansium domesticum, an abundant fruit tree. Individual tree sensitivity to drought contributed significantly albeit to a small extent to the overall response to drought. This individual tree effect did not show any pattern of spatial correlation and hence could not be related to topographic features. It is likely to reflect the individual's unique history and genotype.

Influence of property rights on farmers' willingness to plant indigenous fruit trees in Malawi and Zambia

Despite the important role that indigenous fruit trees play in the food security and livelihood of households in southern Africa, investments in the cultivation and conservation of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) by farm communities is very low. Through the use of reconnaissance surveys, household surveys and focus group discussions, this study assessed the effects of land and tree tenures and household characteristics on farmers’ willingness to plant and domesticate IFTs in Malawi and Zambia. Results revealed that 98% of land cultivated by smallholder farmers in Malawi and Zambia were under customary land tenure system, and were conducive for tree cultivation as opposed to leasehold land tenure systems. The existing land user-rights of customary land were of private property regime, and provided smallholder farmers much freedom in land utilization. Household tree tenure was observed to account for 96% of tree tenure types, and is favourable to IFTs’ cultivation. Farmers’ resource endowment, cultural practices and socio-economic characteristics had overriding effects on fruit tree planting. The weak extension capacity, lack of knowledge in IFT cultivation, seedling scarcity, cultural norms such as matrilineal inheritance system were identified as major disincentives to fruit tree planting. Household size and formal education increased the probability of farmers to plant fruit trees in the study area. Contrary to popular notion, the existing land and tree tenure systems do not impose constrains on the cultivation of IFT by households.

The contribution of indigenous fruit trees in sustaining rural livelihoods and conservation of natural resources

The dependency of many African rural households on natural resources for sustenance is widely acknowledged. The utilization and commercialization of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) has in the past been overlooked by extension agencies due to the misconception that they do not play a major role in contributing to the rural livelihoods. There is new and increasing emphasis on the contribution of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) on improving rural livelihoods in the Miombowoodlands. A study was conducted in Mwekera area in Zambia using participatory rural appraisal techniques to ascertain the significance of IFTs in the livelihoods.The study revealed that 97% of the respondents collect indigenous fruits and ranked in order of importance Uapaca kirkiana, Anisophyllea boehmii and Parinari curatellifolia. The study has revealed that 46% of households process the fruit into juices and/or porridges. Furthermore IFTs are also used as traditional medicine. Sixty three percent (63%) of the households used IFTs for medicinal purposes with two-thirds of the respondents citing A. boehmii as an important medicinal tree species. The study also showed that 85% of the respondents have seen a change in the forest cover resulting into loss of biodiversity with the respondents indicating that the change is with respect to reduction in forest size and scarcity of some species. Fewer trees mean less forest derived foods and medicine for the local people. It is concluded that IFTs have both food and non-food value to the local communities and are hence significant in sustaining households. Key words: Indigenous fruit trees (IFTs), rural livelihoods, processing, food security, biodiversity, miombo woodlands. Africa (NERICA), Oryza sativa, Oryza glaberrima.

Molecular Markers and the Management of Tropical Trees: the Case of Indigenous Fruits

Millions of people in the tropics benefit from the harvest, cultivation and consumption of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs). Knowledge concerning the structuring of genetic variation within these species is crucial for sustainable use and conservation, but the availability of such information has been limited. By reference to case study species that are currently the subject of active domestication initiatives, in this essay we provide guidance for the suitable application of molecular marker methods for characterising IFTs. We discuss three particular areas where molecular markers are able to provide unique insights for further promotion activities: (i) in understanding the past domestication of taxa, (ii) in determining effective population sizes; and (iii) in assessing the value of a decentralised approach for future domestication. Despite the potential utility of molecular markers, a disjunction between assessment and practical application is evident, which reflects a lack of integration of laboratory research with other species promotion activities. Greater emphasis is required on team-based research and partnerships, more work should be undertaken in agricultural landscapes, and further research on mating systems and gene flow are crucial. Our essay provides a model for molecular marker studies on other trees that are important to rural communities in the tropics.

CONSUMPTION OF DRYLAND INDIGENOUS FRUITS TO IMPROVE LIVELIHOODS IN KENYA: THE CASE OF MWINGI DISTRICT

ISHS International Symposium on Underutilized Plants for Food Security, Nutrition, Income and Sustainable Development CONSUMPTION OF DRYLAND INDIGENOUS FRUITS TO IMPROVE LIVELIHOODS IN KENYA: THE CASE OF MWINGI DISTRICT

THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS FRUIT TREES IN RURAL LIVELIHOODS: THE CASE OF COMMUNITIES IN THE MWEKERA AREA, COPPERBELT PROVINCE, ZAMBIA

The role of indigenous fruit trees in the rural livelihoods is now widely recognised. There is new and increasing emphasis on the contribution of non-timber forest products in improving livelihoods and in managing the forest ecosystems of the Miombo woodlands sustainably. This study, conducted in the Mwekera area of Copperbelt Province, Zambia, determined the role of indigenous fruit trees in rural livelihoods. A variety of participatory rural appraisal techniques and a household survey were used to collect data on the use of indigenous fruits. The study revealed that 99% of the respondents experience hunger every year during the rainy season from November to April. Up to 97% of the rural people in the area collect indigenous fruit (IFs) such as Uapaca kirkiana, Anisophyllea boehmii, and Parinari curatellifolia, ranked in order of importance. On the other hand, relatively few households (31%) sell indigenous fruits. Uapaca kirkiana and Anisophyllea boehmii accounted for 95% of the fruits sold. Nearly half (46%) of the rural people in the area process fruits into juice and/or porridge. It was concluded that the major contribution of IFTs in the study area was in relieving hunger rather than as a source of income through selling. It is recommended that domestication of indigenous fruits and sustainable forestry and agricultural management practices be employed to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the forest resource.

A decision support tool for propagating Miombo indigenous fruit trees of southern Africa

Indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) contribute to the livelihoods of rural households as sources of food, income and medicine. Conservation and domestication of IFTs involve germplasm selection, collection, multiplication and evaluation. In addition, biodiversity and genetic improvements have been realized through propagation. However, there are numerous challenges when propagating indigenous trees and the choice of appropriate propagation techniques determines the success of domestication programme. In this paper we synthesize different propagation methods used for indigenous fruit trees, and propose a decision support tool based on desirable attributes of individual IFT, technical requirements, expertise of the propagators and relative cost of implementing the technology in addition to field performance and tree management. Depending on circumstances, this decision support tool can be used to quickly choose a propagation method for a given fruit tree so as to maximize on germplasm collection, multiplication and evaluation without compromising field performance and management of the fruit trees.

Indigenous fruit trees in the tropics: domestication, utilization and commercialization

<title>Abstract</title> This book comprises 5 parts and 21 chapters discussing the domestication of indigenous fruit trees in Africa, Oceania, Latin America and Asia; and describes the biophysical and socio-economic aspects of Miombo fruit trees.

Indigenous knowledge of rural communities in Malawi on socio-economic use, propagation, biology, biodiversity and ecology of Uapaca kirkiana Muell. Arg

Uapaca kirkiana Muell Arg. is one of the most popular indigenous fruit trees in the Miombo woodlands of southern Africa. An investigation into existing indigenous knowledge and socio- economic use of this fruit tree was conducted in Malawi. The survey revealed that U. kirkiana fruits contribute considerably to livelihood as a food supplement and for income generation among local communities. However, U. kirkiana trees are not widely cultivated due to lack of improved planting materials and difficulties in establishment outside their natural habitats. The results from the survey indicate that fruits are the main non-timber products that contribute to demand for domestication and the attributes preferred by the rural communities for improvement are mainly related to fruit taste and yield. Poor management and anthropogenic activities have resulted in the destruction of forest reserves and the local people do not have maximum stewardship of U. kirkiana trees in the forest reserve. The indigenous knowledge on U. kirkiana trees provides a valuable basis for domestication, propagation and improvement of fruit and tree attributes, and management issues on both co-managed and government forest reserve.

Domestication and conservation of indigenous Miombo fruit trees for improving rural livelihoods in southern Africa

The last two decades have witnessed increased interest in the conservation, domestication and commercialization of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) in the tropics. This paper examines the experiences from research and development (R&D) initiatives involving IFTs of the Miombo eco-region. Significant progress has been made in domestication strategies, including species priority setting, provenance trials, participatory clonal selection and development of new cultivars, nursery propagation techniques and field management. New research has created opportunities for the development of IFTs as new crops and their management on-farm. Participatory domestication initiatives described in this paper provide a beneficial strategy aimed at reducing over-dependence and exploitation of wild populations, while at the same time helping farmers and researchers in the development of new tree crops to capture economic opportunities.