Abstract

In West and Central Africa, malnutrition remains an important cause of maternal and child mortality. Currently, the deficit in four micronutrients (Vitamin A, iron, zinc and iodine) is negatively affecting public health even though the quantities required are very small. This situation has serious consequences for the energy level, intellectual capacity and productivity of the population, and even for economic growth.

Agroforestry products constitute an alternative source of better nutrition and health, as well as food security and revenue generation for the poorer segments of the population. ICRAF (International Center for Research in Agroforestry a.k.a. World Agroforestry Centre) is contributing to the maintenance of this biodiversity through programs to conserve and domesticate certain agroforestry species, mainly Adansonia digitata, Detarium senegalensis, Saba senegalensis, Tamarindus indica, Zizphus mauritiana, Parkia biglobosa et Moringa oleifera. However, these species continue to attract little attention from research and technology institutions, service providers, farmers, decision-makers and donors.

This regional workshop proposes to take inventory of work and knowledge on the nutritional value of native species amenable to use in agroforestry (fruit trees, shrubs, etc.) with a view to developing a research program for improving the health and quality of life of the poor in West and Central Africa.

Recipient Institution(s)