Perceived Availability and Management of Garcinia buchananii Fruit Tree Species in the Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Rwanda and Uganda

Abstract
This study explored community knowledge on availability and management of Garcinia buchananii in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) districts of Rwanda and Uganda. Specifically, it was conducted in Bugesera and Kirehe districts (Rwanda), and Buikwe and Masaka districts (Uganda). Household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and case studies were conducted to ascertain the availability status, ecological niche(s), propagation techniques as well as management practices of Garcinia buchananii. Garcinia buchananii was reported to be mostly abundant (0.329±0.471) in the garden and wild. The highly reported methods of propagating were by use of seeds (87.8% in Uganda and 85.4% in Rwanda). In Uganda, knowledge on propagation techniques was influenced by occupation (R2 = 0.084; P=0.05) while in Rwanda, none of the socio-demographic characteristics influenced knowledge on propagation of the species. The most common reported practices for managing Garcinia buchananii included weeding, mulching, watering and pruning. Since rural farming communities have always been exploiting indigenous fruit trees for their livelihoods, increased awareness and use of proper extension services plus provision of planting materials could lead to wise use and management of Garcinia buchananii in the LVB districts of Rwanda and Uganda.
Description
Keywords
Garcinia buchananii, Indigenous Fruit Trees, Community Knowledge
Citation
Bigirimana, C., Omujal, F., Isubikalu, P., Bizuru, E., Obaa, B. B., Malinga, M., ... & Okullo, J. B. (2016). Perceived Availability and Management of Garcinia buchananii Fruit Tree Species in the Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Rwanda and Uganda. Journal of Agricultural Research 2016, 4(6), 230-238. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2016.040602