Prosopis

Prosopis describes the enormous historical importance of these trees as a human food source and reviews the contemporary food science of the fruit derived from these trees. As well, this treatise reviews the native genetic resources of this genus on 4 continents and classical genetic and horticultural techniques that could help stabilize the environment and alleviate human suffering on some of the world’s most destitute agro-ecosystems. This book is an essential read for researchers interested in forestry and plant science, environmental science, and functional foods. The legume family (Fabaceae) contains many genera and species that through their nitrogen fixing process provide high protein food and feed for humans and animals. As evidenced by its presence in Death Valley, California, which holds the record for the highest temperatures in the world, these types of plants can thrive in extreme environments. Edited by the world’s leading experts on Prospis species with globally recognized contributors Covers the different perspectives surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of planting different Prosopis species Discusses the applications of Prosopis species, including how the fruits of this tree can be used as a raw food material

FAO, in collaboration with Djibouti’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fishery, Livestock and Marine Resources and Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning and Environment, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, conducted the study presented in this report to assess the use of Prosopis woody biomass as a source of energy and options for increasing the efficiency of woodfuel supply chains. The study used socio-economic data collected through interviews, focus-group discussions, a desk review and a field visit, and a remote sensing analysis of Prosopis distribution, combined with field data, in four areas of interest in Djibouti: Douda, As Eyla, Tadjourah, and Hanlé. The report includes: •an assessment of challenges in meeting energy demand in displacement settings in Djibouti; •data on the distribution of Prosopis in the country and the quantity of standing Prosopis biomass at selected sites (which are also the country’s main Prosopis areas); and •an analysis of the economic potential of processing Prosopis woody biomass into briquettes and charcoal.