Utilisation of indigenous fruit trees in the Lake Victoria basin districts of Rwanda and Uganda

Ecosystems in Rwanda and Uganda have a diversity of wild tree species many of which are indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) which provide a number of benefits to communities. This study was conducted to assess the utilization of IFTs in the Lake Victoria Basin. Specifically, it was conducted in the districts of Bugesera, Kirehe and Nyamagabe in Rwanda and Buikwe, Busia, Kamuli, Masaka and Namutumba in Uganda to document and prioritise the available edible indigenous fruit trees, document the determinants for preferences and assess local uses of the keystone IFTs. Data were obtained using various tools including survey, focus group discussion with farmers and key informant interviews. The survey covered 700 households. The study revealed that Garcinia buchananii and Carissa edulis were two commonly prioritized species in both countries. Determinants such as high food potential, medicine, sweetness etc. motivated farming communities to prioritise IFTs. The study revealed that fruits from prioritized species are eaten as food. Cough was the mostly reported illness treated by almost all the species. Tamarindus indica, S. comorensis and G. buchananii were reported to treat many illnesses compared to other species. Fruits of M. holstii, C. schweinfurthii and S. comorensis are sold in local markets to generate income. Besides, the species provide products such as timber, charcoal, firewood, etc. From community knowledge, prioritized IFTs are multipurpose and thus significant in sustaining households. Community knowledge on uses of IFTs could be therefore enhanced and integrated for sustainable conservation of such species in both countries.