Abstract:
The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is an integral component of many dryland farming systems in sub-Sahara Africa. Such traditional agroforestry systems can foster a variety of benefits; besides positive livelihood implications baobab can particularly address food security objectives due to its highly nutritious fruits. However, many bottlenecks persist inhibiting the broader potential of indigenous trees in farming systems and their increased utilisation and commercialisation. We suggest that traditional farming systems with baobab trees can be advanced by stimulating the emergence of local markets for baobab products while promoting businesses and innovations aimed at meeting the arising market demand. Increasing the perceived value of local agroforestry products in combination with facilitating additional commercialisation pathways will in turn lead to food security and livelihood benefits. Using a multi-stakeholder approach such considerations were put into practice in Kilifi, Kenya, by initiating a community-based enterprise development producing high-quality baobab powder and oil. Initial results demonstrate behavioural changes, an improved practical knowhow with regard to baobab management and utilisation, and an increased consumption of baobab, which may already contribute to food security objectives. Baobab is increasingly seen as a valuable resource as opposed to \'food for the poor\' and a tree possessed by evil spirits. This may lay the groundwork for further value addition activities and enterprise development in the communities. With baobab being a common, yet so far underutilised feature of local farming systems in Kilifi, activities based on its increasing commercialisation can be complementary and easily integrable to prevailing livelihood strategies.
摘要:
猴面包树(AdansoniadigitataL.)是撒哈拉以南非洲许多旱地农业系统的组成部分。这种传统的农林业系统可以带来各种好处;除了积极的生计影响外,猴面包树由于其高营养的水果而特别能解决粮食安全目标。然而,许多瓶颈仍然存在,阻碍了土著树木在耕作系统中的更广泛潜力,以及它们的更多利用和商业化。我们建议,通过刺激当地猴面包树产品市场的出现,同时促进旨在满足不断出现的市场需求的业务和创新,可以推进具有猴面包树的传统农业系统。提高当地农林业产品的感知价值,同时促进更多的商业化途径,反过来又会带来粮食安全和生计效益。采用多方利益相关者的方法,这些考虑因素在基利菲付诸实践,肯尼亚,通过发起以社区为基础的企业发展,生产高质量的猴面包树粉和油。初步结果显示行为改变,关于猴面包树管理和利用的改进的实用技术,猴面包树的消费量增加,这可能已经有助于实现粮食安全目标。猴面包树越来越被视为一种宝贵的资源,而不是“穷人的食物”和邪恶的灵魂所拥有的树。这可能为社区的进一步增值活动和企业发展奠定基础。猴面包树很常见,然而到目前为止,基利菲当地农业系统的未充分利用特征,基于其日益商业化的活动可以是互补的,并且很容易整合到现行的生计策略中。