The International Conference for Food Security and Nutrition which is underway in Rome will be discussing the role of forests, trees and agroforestry in providing food security and improving nutrition among rural people.

Forests, trees and agroforestry are by and large poorly reflected in national development and food security strategies. The 400 participants from over 100 countries attending the conference are expected to identify policy options for increasing the role of forests in food security and nutrition.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has prepared 7 background papers for the meeting, including one on agroforestry which emphasizes the challenges relating to policy, market constraints and under-investment in research. It calls for agroforestry policies that reform land and tree tenure for small-scale farmers to help recognize agroforestry as an important investment option.

The conference is coordinated by the FAO Forestry Department in collaboration with the World Bank, World Agroforestry Centre, Center for International Forestry Research and Bioversity International.

Visit the conference website or view events through the live webcast