16 September 2014
ICRAF Urges Use of Indigenous Tree Species in Africa
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The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) released a policy brief on the use of trees on farms in Nigeria to tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation, and food security.

World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)September 2014: The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) has released a policy brief on the use of trees on farms in Nigeria to tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation, and food security.

The brief examines indigenous trees including black pear, Africa star apple, and bush mango based on experiments and demonstration sites focusing on germination rates, rooting aptitude, and the production of indigenous trees within rubber-based farming systems. Identified uses for tree species include food, medicine, enhancement of soil fertility, sequestration of carbon, reduction of soil erosion, and as a source of alternative income.

Overall, the brief recommends that: agroforestry be integrated into relevant policies; land tenure and use rights be protected by legislation; and governments in Africa support the propagation and use of indigenous tree species. ICRAF is part of the CGIAR consortium. [Publication: ICRAF Policy Brief 27 – Indigenous Tress on Farm in Nigeria]