Conservation and sustainable use of cultivated and wild Tropical fruit diversity: promoting sustainable livelihoods, food security and ecosystem services

The Indonesian Fruits Research Institute, East Java Assessment Institute for Agriculture Technology, and South Kalimantan Assessment Institute for Agriculture Technology implemented this program between 2009 and 2015 to promote on-farm conservation activities of tropical fruits. Objectives were to (1) increase farmers’ capacities and capabilities in managing genetic resources of tropical fruits through learning exchange visits; (2) implement community nursery activities; (3) establish field genebanks; (4) implement product processing and marketing to increase product value and farmers’ income; (5) disseminate results; and (6) produce publications. Core components included community development based on knowledge of management systems and the code of ethics for sharing knowledge and material. For example, descriptions used by farmers and farmer groups in distinguishing varieties and species were identified and consistency in naming cultivars promoted; project locations were identified based on social, cultural, economic and environmental interests; methods for implementing good conservation practices at the project site were developed and promoted; project partners were trained to describe genetic diversity through participatory assessments. Key outcomes include improved awareness of the importance of conservation; increased community participation in conservation programs; and increased income and welfare of the participating communities.