A new program in Zimbabwe will assist vulnerable smallholder farmers to sustainably manage forests, diversify their livelihoods sources (such as through agroforestry) and build their capacity to withstand shocks in times of crises.

The Zimbabwean reports on a US $4.8 million joint program between the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Zimbabwe.

“Forests and trees outside forests contribute to food and income security through consumption or sale of forestry products,” said David Phiri, FAO Representative in Zimbabwe. They provide food, fodder, shelter, medicines, firewood, timber and other construction materials.

Agroforestry and participatory sustainable forest management are key elements of the program to improve food security and food availability. The aim is to not only alleviate hunger in the short term but to also ensure long-term food security and resilience to shocks.

Through participatory forest management, policies and legal frameworks will be developed to assist communities in increasing and diversifying their sources of food and income from forests and trees.

Read the full story: Managing Zimbabwe’s Forests Sustainably