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 security,
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 security 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.