TREE AID has been looking at the role of tree foods in improving nutritional security in dryland Burkina Faso. Our research shows how important tree foods are to rural smallholders. They are currently consuming around 144 different tree foods the majority of which are rich in macro and micro nutrients as well as vitamins. Many of the tree foods are drought resistant and so important during climate disasters and extremes. However, the way in which tree foods are cooked, dried and stored has a big impact on the nutritional value. This is where nutritional eduction is fundamental. I attach an executive summary of a recent TREE AID report. This is due to be published shortly.
Dr. Philip Goodwin