Current levels of deforestation suggest that the rising demand for tree products will have to be met by increased levels of tree planting. While traditional forest plantations will satisfy someof this demand, it is likely that there will be a substantial increase in the planting of trees on farmland. Farmers in areas of increased population density are already motivated to plant trees on their land because of the benefits they bring and this trend will continue. However, a great deal of potential exists toimprove the tree species cultivated on farmland through a process of tree domestication, which involves not only treebreeding but species priority setting, nursery work, tree management, extension, marketing and policy interventions, and it is important that farmers participate in this process. Domestication of trees with high value products (timber, fruit, medicinal products) will provide small-scale farmers with incomeand an entry point to the commercial marketplace.
Publication year
2000
Authors
Simons A J; Jaenicke, H.; Dawson I A K; Kindt, R.; Oginosako Z; Lengkeek A G; Tchoundjeu Z; Degrande, A.
Language
English
Keywords
domestication, farmers, forestry, wood products
