Diversification of smallholder farming systems in West and Central Africa through cultivation of indigenous trees

Background

The tropical rain forests of West Africa are endowed with a rich biodiversity. Cameroon alone is known to host 14000 species of plants, with 3500 different tree species. For centuries, wild uncultivated fruit trees and medicinal plants have provided the small-scale farmers of the forest-margins with food, medicine and income-generating opportunities. Unfortunately, logging and unsustainable “slash and burn” (swidden) agriculture have already affected economically useful species, which are becoming extinct, while impoverishing the livelihood of the forest-margin dwellers.

Collecting fruit, nuts and bark with medicinal properties from wild trees has always been an important activity for local households. However, population pressure has meant clearing forests to release land for cultivation, which, together with tree felling by logging companies, has resulted in the loss of economically important indigenous trees. Small-scale farmers can profit from tree cultivation under the appropriate agro-ecological conditions. Fruit and medicinal trees provide an opportunity to diversify income, and the mixture of perennial and annual crops represents an environmentally sound land management system conducive to moisture conservation and soil erosion control. In recognition of the economic, nutritional and ecological importance of trees, many of these farmers preserve individual trees during land clearing operations. In this way, the newly cleared plots of the small farmer may include, along with subsistence crops, improved fruit and medicinal trees that were once part of the plant community of the forest. The process involving selection and mass production of high-value indigenous fruit trees and medicinal plants is referred to as “tree domestication”.

The research programme sought ways to better identify, characterize and propagate superior clones of priority indigenous fruit and medicinal tree species. Seven species were selected: Cola nitida (Kola nut); Dacryodes edulis (African plum or eben); Garcinia kola (Bitter kola); Irvingia sp. (Bush mango); Pausinystalia johimbe (Yohimbe – a medicinal bark); Prunus africana (Pygeum or Red stinkwood – a medicinal bark); and Ricinodendron heudelotii (a condiment).

Grant purpose

There were two objectives:

• to increase the incomes of rural communities in four West African countries (Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Nigeria) through the cultivation of indigenous fruit trees and medicinal plants; and to
• formulate and implement integrated strategies for the domestication of priority high-value agroforestry tree species and the marketing of their produce.

Components

Germplasm collection and vegetative propagation

Activities included collecting and maintaining germplasm of high-value agroforestry trees to form the basis for further research and development of activities to ensure their conservation.

On-farm evaluation of tree planting and management

The aim was to characterize high-value indigenous trees grown on farms and understand their integration in different cropping systems.

Marketing of agroforestry products

Market research was carried out with a view to assisting farmers in capturing a greater proportion of economic rent from sales of tree products.

Development of capacity building amongst NGOs, farmers’ groups and others

The training of key partners involved in tree domestication permitted multiplication of improved germplasm and integration of the selected propagules in different cropping systems.

Impact

Overall, considerable progress was achieved by the project, thus contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas. More than five species were included in the tree domestication scheme. In addition, more than 9000 plants (4344 cuttings, 4633 seedlings, 542 marcots and 20 grafted plants) of different species have been collected and raised in different nurseries. Genebanks of Dacryodes edulis have been established. Main factors affecting the rooting of main indigenous fruit trees have been identified and farmers are applying the results to produce their own plants. Many trials are currently investigating the integration of improved plants in different cropping systems.

Sixteen nurseries have been established in pilot villages, double the planned eight. Farmer-level constraints on tree cultivation have been identified. Surveys were carried out to understand the pattern, density and diversity of trees in farmers’ fields. Demonstration plots were set up to allow farmers see the performance of different propagules in different cropping systems.

Rapid reconnaissance market surveys of products from the main indigenous fruit trees were conducted in four countries, with in-depth market surveys in two countries. Farmer harvesting and marketing of key non-timber forest products (NTFPs) was monitored. Distribution and commercialization channels of main NTFPs were studied, including a rapid reconnaissance market survey of medicinal plants in main cities of Cameroon.

Individual training was provided for students from different universities of the region, and for technicians from NGOs and extension services. Group training particularly focused on farmers and technicians from NGOs, National Programs for Agricultural Extension and Research (PNVRA) and neighbouring countries not involved in the programme. Pamphlets and posters were developed on different topics to support the training of farmers and other users. Farmers to farmers’ visits were organized to share experience among farmers.

One of the pilot villages, Belo in northwest Cameroon, sold Prunus africana cuttings, Dacryodes edulis and Cola nitida marcots and other fruit tree species for almost USD1200. Another pilot village, in Badjoun (West Province), generated USD 215 from the sale of different indigenous fruit trees and medicinal plants. In the forest zone, farmers had yet to sell the plants produced in their nurseries as the plants produced were mainly used to satisfy their own needs. It is expected that the production of subsequent years will be sold. In addition, early fruiting has already been achieved with some high-value species such as Dacryodes edulis and Irvingia gabonensis. In natural stands, Irvingia trees will take 10–15 years to bear fruits. Marcots of the same species fruited 2–3 years after planting. This is a great incentive for farmers who will plant these species with an assurance of gaining a quick return.

Links to other IFAD loans

The project is working now with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Support Project (I-478-CM). Further links have been established with other IFAD projects, such as: Community Development Support Project (I-583-CM), National Microfinance Programme Support Project (I-522-CM), and the Roots and Tubers Programme (soil fertility aspects) currently still in the planning phase.

Links to related research results

Similar domestication programmes of indigenous fruit trees and medicinal plants are being developed in other regions, such as southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and eastern Africa, where ICRAF scientists and NARS partners are working.

Technical Advisory Notes (TANs)

Sample pamphlets on tree domestication have been produced. In particular, on Nursery Management, Management of Stockplants, Maintenance of Propagator, Marcotting, Rooting Juvenile Cuttings, and Non-mist Propagator.

Contact

Dr Zac Tchoundjeu
Project Coordinator, ICRAF-IRAD Project
B.P. 2067, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Telephone: INT+237+ 223 7560
Fax: INT+237+ 223 7440
E-mail: z.tchoundjeu@cgiar.org

Contact in IFAD

Ms Sheila Mwanundu
Technical Adviser, Environment/Natural Resource Management
Technical Advisory Division, IFAD, Rome.