Woody perennials are vital componen

Woody perennials are vital components of agroforestry systems. However, the state
of knowledge about most of the large number of useful species is inferior to that about other
components in such systems. In order to close this gap and expedite research, ICRAF has built
up a multipurpose tree and shrub information system. The recommendations of an interna-
tional workshop on multipurpose tree germplasm, organized by ICRAF in collaboration with
CFI and IBPGR, have been instrumental in either encouraging the pursuance of activities
already started or initiating new projects. In its endeavour to serve those institutions and
individual scientists who require information on multipurpose trees, ICRAF has established
a Multipurpose Tree and Shrub Data Base and compiled and published a Multipurpose Tree
and Shrub Seed Directory. As by-products of these two core activities, a number of related
projects have been carried out, including the development of a rapid appraisal methodology
for selecting priority species for further development, the preparation of multipurpose tree and
shrub crop sheets, and an inventory of MPT-related data bases. In a considerable number of
publications the concepts and objectives of these activities have been explained. More than 140
information requests on multipurpose trees have been answered with the help of the Multipur-
pose Tree and Shrub Data Base and the information gap concerning germplasm availability
has been closed by the publication of the Multipurpose Tree and Shrub Seed Directory.