Participatory tree domestication of indigenous tree species

Since 1990, the World Agroforestry Centre, together with national research, education and training institutions as well as farmers and farmers’ organizations, has developed a decentralized approach for participatory tree domestication to improve indigenous tree species in the African Sahel region and to encourage their cultivation. Core components include priority setting exercises carried out since the early 1990’s, through which farmers identified preferred tree species, based on criteria such as nutritional, medicinal and income-generating values. Furthermore, potential ‘plus mother trees’ with the preferred characteristics were identified. Tree improvement based on these accessions is being carried out through Rural Resource Centres (RRCs), where farmers are trained on how to propagate and manage the seedlings in the nurseries; seedlings are established on community/farmers’ land, and farmers are actively involved in the evaluation. Improved material is owned by the communities and farmers can freely distribute the improved material among themselves. A value chain training component on fruit processing and related business skills is also incorporated to enhance the economic benefits from indigenous tree cultivation. Key outcomes include improved skills of farmers in tree propagation and management, conservation and sustainable use of tree genetic resources and enhanced recognition and use of indigenous knowledge.