TOWARDS A METHOD TO SET PRIORITIES AMONGST SPECIES FOR TREE IMPROVEMENT RESEARCH - A CASE STUDY FROM WEST AFRICA

Abstract

Based on a case study from West Africa a method was devised to set priorities amongst multipurpose tree and shrub (MPT) species for tree improvement research. Regional MPT experts from the humid lowlands of West Africa were consulted during a workshop in which they defined the most important agroforestry products/services (referred to as products hereafter) for the main user groups in the region and identified promising MPT species to provide these products. During this exercise each species was assessed across four key selection categories. These were (a) farmer interest in the species and potential impact of introducing improved varieties, (b) management and growth characteristics, (c) product characteristics of a species for evaluating its suitability for a given end-use and market, and (d) research considerations for tree improvement in regard to each species. There were several criteria per category and each species was rated and an aggregate score calculated. Using this approach a proposed list of priority species for five agroforestry end-products, i.e. fruits, food, poles/posts, stakes and soil improvement, was established for the humid lowlands of West Africa. The findings still need to be verified through surveys to determine farmers' preferences and the relative values they give to different species and products.