Bridging the knowledge gap on a valuable tree. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project title: R7295: Prosopis juliflora and related arboreal species: a monograph, extension manual and database.
A project to bridge a critical information gap on the valuable mesquite tree, with inputs from 10 countries, has resulted in many valuable publications. These include a field guide, country-specific policy briefs on India, Ethiopia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Brazil, other briefs on the weed problem and global issues, and many journal and popular articles, as well as a video. Mesquite, Prosopis juliflora, is a common species in the world's hot, arid and semi-arid regions. It provides fuel, food, fodder, wood products (parquet floors, furniture, fence posts), and bee pasturage. However, in many parts of Asia and Africa it remains under-used, and is often regarded as an invasive weed. Over 18,000 copies of the publications were downloaded from the project website in 2006 alone; 70% of this demand was from sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (16 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
FRP05, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 43.