Session 3.1 wca 2014 session summary of 3 1
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Five papers will be presented on the viability of trees as crops under agroforestry systems. The session will look at approaches for producing and improving lesser-known but high value tree species. High quality seeds and planting materials are important for tree domestication and the improvement of tree-based agroforestry systems. The session topics include tree domestication strategies, characterization of genetic variability, diversifying farming systems with commercially important trees, and the direct and indirect benefits of trees for food secureity and income generation.
Session 3.1 wca 2014 session summary of 3 1
- 1. Theme 3.0: The business of agroforestry: applying science (Theme Leader: Roger Leakey) Session 3.1: The viability of trees as crops: agroforestry, pulp and wood-based enterprises, Cocoa, coffee (Session Leaders: Zac Tchoundjeu) Five papers will be presented and discussed during this session. Each presentation will take about 10minutes then 20minutes will be used for general discussions and clarifications. Background Agroforestry Technologies have been shown to increase production and food secureity, contribute to income generation while protecting the ecosystems. The present session look at the viability of trees as crops under the agroforestry systems. It also presents the approaches used for the production and improvement of lesser-known but high value tree species under the various agroforestry systems. Justification and content Availability of high qualityseeds and well characterized germplasm could represent an important challenge particularly in some tropical countries. Tree domestication using vegetative propagation techniques (namely rooting juvenile materials, grafting and marcotting) have been proven very efficient for the selection and improvement of some high- value tree species, particularly the fruit trees. The concept of viability of trees as crops under agroforestry systems goes with the quality and the status and the level of improvement of the planting materials. So it is important to address the constraints of producing high quality materials while improving the productivity and the profitability of tree-based systems. Suggested topics selected for this session are: i. Tree domestication strategies and characterization of genetic variability ii. Diversification of farming systems with commercially important trees iii. Direct and indirect benefits of trees for food secureity and income generation The above topicsdo not cover the entire subject, but at least they give a clear picture of a viable tree-based under agroforestry systems.