Forests can help to alleviate global hunger, says a new report published by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO).

An article on Mongabay.com discusses the report and how it suggests that “countries with big forest-dependent populations adopt national policies and land-use strategies that support the planting of multi-functional trees to provide food, timber, fuel wood, medicine and a host of environmental services”.

The report highlights how conventional agriculture is limited in its ability to fully alleviate hunger, especially as the population grows. Forests and trees can supplement conventional agriculture by providing a diversity of trees, many with high nutritional value.

Stepha McMullin, a social scientist with the World Agroforestry Centre and co-author of one of the chapters in the report, says forests and tree-based farming systems such as agroforestry can complement agricultural production to ensure greater food security and better nutrition for some of the world's most vulnerable communities.

McMullin explains how forest and tree-based systems help diversify diets, providing fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and edible oils. In addition to wild meat, fish and insects, these systems help fill seasonal food and nutritional gaps.

“Tree foods play an important role in periods of drought and help overcome hunger due to food shortages, especially when staple crops fail or before they are ready for harvest," she said. “Forests and tree-based systems also benefit people indirectly, such as by providing a source of income so people can purchase food.”

Read the full story: To improve food security, look to the forests, new report says

Download the report:

Vira, B., Wildburger, C., Mansourian, S., eds. (2015). Forests, Trees and Landscapes for Food Security and Nutrition. IUFRO World Series Volume 33.