Challenges to Stimulating the Adoption and Impact of Indigenous Fruit Trees in Tropical Agriculture - Indigenous Fruit Trees in the Tropics: Domestication, Utilization and Commercialization - page 61

information and write in an accessible style without inappropriate technical
jargon. Leaflets, with processes and techniques illustrated and annotated, are
useful and can be used easily for training. If supported by more detailed
background information, they can also be a valuable tool for trainers.
It is also important to support those communities where literacy and
numeracy is poor or non-existent; training tools can be created using pictorial
representations of techniques. Experience of how activities can be illustrated
most effectively is useful, and it must be remembered that different
communities will interpret pictures differently. This emphasizes the importance
of trainers with sensitivity to local attitudes. Information provided in the native
language of the audience is particularly important.
A valuable development in the dissemination of information is the
increasingly widespread use of computers and the Internet. Information initially
made available on CD-ROM, video or DVD can subsequently be more easily
distributed than paper products where postal or transport services are poor or
costly. The facility to easily browse material in electronic format can be a
valuable benefit in searching for information and also for selecting specific
areas for training. Where Internet access is available, the difficulties of
distribution of research and education materials can be avoided altogether. It is,
however, necessary when designing websites, online databases or other digital
products, to consider that the older hardware or software likely to be
encountered in the target areas can make websites inaccessible, and cross-
compatibility between products is vital. Key areas where information should be
supplied are:

● Policy briefs to increase awareness among policy makers. The policy

should include adequate producer prices and credit facilities aimed at
increasing production, storage and marketing of underutilized crops (Peiler,
2004; see also www.agroforestry.net/pubs/PIIFS_Policy_Briefing.pdf).

● Training of community workers (including women's groups) in culturally

appropriate methods for food and product processing and marketing.
Education programmes for local food preparation and processing,
including publication of recipes and ideas for increased consumption.

● Workshops and seminars to increase national and regional awareness.

3.3.7 Policy change

Favourable policy design is central to sustainable agricultural production, land
tenure patterns, management of natural resources and poverty alleviation
(Wynberg et al ., 2003). Short-term project support to indigenous fruit crops
research is unlikely to lead to clearer policy definition, especially when
experience shows that a relatively longer time frame is needed to develop and
commercialize indigenous fruit crops. Also, research requires many inter-
sectoral linkages, since programmes may relate to maintenance of
agrobiodiversity at the local level, to appropriate production in marginal areas,
or extend to supplying market needs for specific products.