Numerous tree species in Eastern Africa drylands provide edible fruits, nuts, edible oils, vegetables (leaves) and pulse-like seeds. Dozens of indigenous fruit tree species (IFTs), although relatively unknown in global markets, are crucial for food security, nutrition and incomes. Many of the wild fruit species have good potential for domestication and on-farm production [42]. Women are often strongly involved in and benefit from wild fruit collection, processing and trade [43]. Due to economic and human population growth and increasing urbanization, fruit markets in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are pre - dicted to grow substantially, e.g. by 5.7% per year in Kenya (calculation of ICRAF based on [44]). Cultivation of domesticated and wild fruit species on farms diversifies the crop production options of small-scale farmers and can bring significant health, ecological and economic revenues [45]. However, research and development has focused mainly on exotic fruits, while indigenous ones are largely neglected
Publication year
2014
Authors
Language
English
Keywords
drylands, environmental management, trees
Geographic
Kenya, Uganda
