المنتدى العالمي المعني بالأمن الغذائي والتغذية

My views: The role of Forests, trees and agroforestry system in food and nutrition policy discussions is important for those small countries where mixed farming is practiced widely. This  may be also true for a certain section of the population of  developing countries. For example, the policy discussions are usually centered around contributions made by crops and livestock products on which the larger section of the population is dependent. This is because contributions made  by forests, trees and agroforestry  are either not quantified adequately to draw the attention of decision makers or confined to the poor section of the society where we consider it statistical insignificant.

Good practices : During  a growing season, one can find a lot of non-wood forest products ( mushroom, bamboo shoots, herbs, medicinal plants, canes ..etc) available in the local markets. Oak logs are used to produce shitake mushroom. Fodders from forest and loppings ( also used as fuel wood) from on farm trees are fed to cattle. These products are nutritious and free from pollutants, chemicals in particular.

We need to engage the foresters involve in the social forestry and non-wood forest products work in food and nutrition policy discussions. It may be more appropriate to have first regional consultations before going for global discussion regarding contributions of forests, trees and agroforestry system to food and nutrition security. Good way to start is at the local level..recognition by the local leaders the importance of forests, trees and agroforestry...!

Thanks, Good luck!

Chencho Norbu,