One of the projects of The Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Organic Agriculture (ASPAB) is called ‘Domestication and improvement of tree species in the department of Thiès’. The aim of the project was to train farmers in the technical skills needed for the cultivation of orchard fruit tree species, including monitoring. Ten local wild fruit tree species were domesticated in the project.

The project was located in the department Thiès, in west Senegal, benefitting 30 villages over 2 years. 300 local training assistants worked in the project on domestication of forest fruit species and the wide dissemination of improved varieties of jujube trees with large fruits. The training included soil fertility improvement through composting, the establishment of tree nurseries, but also practices to enhance biodiversity such as agroforestry, the introduction of legumes in their fields and in their fences and natural regeneration of plants. From an economic point of view, farmers' incomes have been increased due to improved fruit quality; consequently this increased the market value and also contributes to food security. From an ecological point of view, the erosion of genetic heritage was mitigated. The pressure on the collection of fruits has been reduced.