المنتدى العالمي المعني بالأمن الغذائي والتغذية

While working for Bioversity International as Nutritionist in the Congo Basin forests from 2011 to 2013, I and my colleagues observed that most communities in the forest areas suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition. Most of the foods among these communities sell off many of their foods rather than consuming them and their low awareness levels regarding forest foods’ nutritious capabilities. Forest dwellers of the Congo Basin appear not appreciate the potential of forest tree foods to address malnutrition. About 70% of the individuals we interviewed did not know that forest foods could improve the health of their children. Basically, an environment rich in wild foods does not automatically correlate with knowledge, a positive attitude and full use of forest foods to complement the diets. Also, food security does not directly translate into nutrition security, as even diets that provide enough calories do not provide a balance of needed nutrients. It’s important to raise awareness of the value of nutrient rich forest foods. I think the forestry sector should be included in the formulation and implementation of policies for food security and nutrition, poverty alleviation and rural development.