Training on Domestication of Plants

An improved agro-forestry farming system helps to combine the protection of natural resources while meeting the needs of farmers. With the increase of 2,8% of the population, and a current population density of 114 persons/km2, the challenge of regulating the human pressure on resources for feeding everyone while preserving  the forest is enormous  and vital (ECAMII data).
Fruit trees, agro-forestry systems and endemic medicinal plants in the region are all essential for the villagers who use them for food, fuel, medicine and source of income. These populations need to know how to live within the limits of these livelihood supported resources and to develop better sustainable ways of using, protecting and sustaining them.

Why tree domestication? Because it is a rapid vegetative propagation method of tree multiplication which aims at providing better fruit quality and which brings about early fructification and better yields. There are different techniques of tree domestication  which include: bud grafting, marcotting and rooting of leafy cuttings. Moreover if these species are domesticated and planted in gardens, the human pressure on the trees in their natural habitat will be reduced. It thus has several advantages which includes: protection of these endangered species and also trees  growing close to rural household which avoid farmers long transportation from the forest.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

· Promote fruit tree farming and orchard development of improved fruit tree varieties

· Reinforce food safety in the area

· To promote innovative sustainable agro-forestry system

· To stimulate local mobilization for environmental protection

· Empowerment of groups for enterprise development

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SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 

· Collection and multiplication of germplasm with appropriate technologies: grafting, marcotting, rooting of cutting

· Identify active farmers in the communities and train them on tree domestication practices

· Support establishment of community nurseries

· Promote sustainable agro-forestry practices

· Marketing strategies for valuable products

· Group dynamics

· Support water catchments development

· Promote horticultural activities in schools

· Promote fruit juice processing and consumption

· Identification of endemic food trees and medicinal plants

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright MIFACIG-Resource center 2009

 

 

Twantoh Mixed Farming Common Initiative group                            

Motto: sharing trees and plants that serve life

 

 

Training programs

 

· Tree domestication

· Bee farming

· Medicinal plants

· Group dynamics

· Market/consultancy