4. THE ROLE OF TREES IN LAND USE

4.7 Trees for cash, savings and investment

As already noted in many Case Reports, trees play an important role in providing cash for the household. The most common products sold for cash are fruits, timber and poles. Trees may also support agricultural and livestock production, which also contributes to greater income from the farm.

A standing stock of growing trees can also be an important kind of saving and investment that can help bridge years when the harvest is poor, or help the family to manage in periods of financial crisis, e.g. when many children require funds for school fees.

Trees are not subject to inflation and may be a better kind of saving than keeping money in bank accounts.