Forests May be Crucial to Ending Global Hunger

When it comes to ending global hunger, forests may be the trump card. Scientists have found that forests and forestry are essential to achieving food security as the limits of boosting agricultural production become clear.

In this latest study, the researchers conducted the most comprehensive scientific analysis to date on the relationship among forests, food and nutrition. Forest foods actually provide a safety net during periods of food shortages. Forest foods are often rich in vitamins, proteins and other nutrients that are associated with more diverse diets. In addition, wild meat, fish and insects are also important forest food sources.

"This report reminds us of the vital roles of forests in building food security," said Thomas Gass, one of the researchers, in a news release. "It makes a convincing case for multi-functional and integrated landscape approaches and calls for community level engagement to re-imagine forestry and agriculture systems."

Trees also offer a multitude of ecological services, such as supporting bees and other pollinators that are essential for crop production on farmland. They also provide animal fodder that allows communities to produce meat and milk, and protect streams and watersheds as habitat for fish.

"What keeps people hungry is often not the lack of food, but the lack of access to that food and control over its production," said Bhaskar Vira, the chair of the Global Forest Expert Panel on Forests and Food Security, which compiled the report. "We need to recognize claims over food sovereignty which give local people greater control over their food. Improved tenure rights and stronger rights for women who are becoming more and more responsible for food production from agricultural and forest lands are key to ensure the success of sustainable poverty reduction efforts."

The findings reveal the forestlands will be crucial in the future for continued sustainable food production. This is increasingly important to note as forests are cut down.

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