An article on the Food Tank website explains how youth in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are taking the lead in studying how trees outside forests (including in urban areas) can improve food and nutrition.

The article by young researcher, Jan Joseph V. Dida from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, explains how trees outside forests and in urban areas can be just as important as forested areas when it comes to providing food.

For example, in the Philippines, trees such as mango, avocado, coconut and banana are planted in backyards mostly for direct consumption. In Seattle, Washington, a ‘Food Forest’ which is managed by youth provides edible trees for anyone to harvest and eat, improving food access in the community.

During a youth session at the recent Forests Asia Summit 2014, participants came up with recommendations on how to promote forest foods, such as developing more agroforestry projects led by youth and supported by policy makers and more backyard and urban botanic gardens.

Social media is seen as a key tool for engaging youth as are organizations such as the Young Professionals’ Platform for Agricultural Development (YPARD).

Read the full story: Young Foresters for Food