Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
normal low-rainfall conditions in the savannah regions of West Africa, Kater et
al . (1992), Kessler (1992) and Boffa (1999) reported that common cereal
crops, such as millet and sorghum, were substantially reduced (30-60%) under
mature trees of Vitellaria paradoxa when compared with the open field. The
reduction in crop yield has been attributed to competition for light. One
method of reducing light interception by the trees and improving associated
cereal crop production may be crown pruning of trees (Bayala et al ., 2002).
Results of a pruning study on V. paradoxa showed that associated crop
production was significantly higher under pruned trees than under unpruned
trees (Bayala et al ., 2002). Studies will therefore be needed to assess the effect
of the other priority indigenous fruit tree species (pruned and unpruned) on
yields of associated common food crops.
11.4.6 Improved methods of marketing and processing indigenous fruits
The marketing of indigenous tree fruits plays an important though neglected
role in the sustainable use of dryland tree resources (Shanley, 2002). Although
it has been reported that fruits of the eight indigenous tree species discussed in
this chapter are traded locally, their trading patterns in Eastern Africa are not
known. At least six of the eight tree species are also traded internationally from
countries outside the Eastern Africa region. For local farmers to be successful
market participants in both local and international markets, they need to
monitor market demand and market prices. To engage in trade at all, they need
information regarding the basic market structures (stakeholders, trade channels
and patterns of value-adding along the marketing chain). If the situation is left
to market dynamics alone, the economic importance of the indigenous fruit
market (and with it the incentive to use indigenous tree resources sustainably)
can be expected to remain weak (Statz, 2000). To become more effective
market players, local farmers have to engage in networking activities and seek
strategic alliances in producer-industry partnerships. Linking farmers to high-
value and export markets is an important strategy for raising incomes and
reducing poverty. Governments and NGOs can facilitate linkages between
farmers and exporters and other buyers by helping to organize farmers' groups,
establishing ground rules for farmer-buyer contracts, and gathering and
disseminating lessons learned from successful marketing schemes. It is generally
agreed that farmers have to be supported in collecting the required
information, in getting organized amongst themselves, and in shaping
partnerships with industries that further process fruit products (Koppell, 1995;
Scherr et al ., 2002). Research has to play a key role in this process (mainly in
the analysis of current markets and prevailing marketing practices).
In order to increase farmers' income from the fruits of indigenous trees,
appropriate processing technologies for the fruits need to be developed to add
value to the products. Research into the development of appropriate processing
technology must have emphasis on simple technologies that are appropriate at
village level to allow rural people the opportunity to generate income
throughout the year, with maximum value added at the village level.
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