Promoting forest-based food security and poverty alleviation

This event will showcase effective policies, measures and practices in promoting forest-based food security and nutrition, and poverty reduction.

It will take place within the 9th World Forest Week.

Background
Forests are vital for the livelihoods of nearly one-third of the world's population, with roughly 40% of the rural poor in developing regions residing in or near forested areas. However, these communities face poverty, vulnerabilities, and food insecurity due to a complex interplay of environmental, economic, social, and political factors, exacerbated by ecological degradation and climate change.

Forests traditionally provide essential food and nutrition for forest-dependent people (FDP), especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable. Recognizing this, the transformation of agrifood systems aims to re-establish the vital link between food and forests. Sustainable forest management can ensure a stable source of nourishment, contributing to food security, poverty eradication, and ecological improvement, particularly for FDP.

Social protection, forest and landscape restoration, and sustainable forest value chain development have been recognized as critical strategies to achieve these goals while ensuring conservation of ecosystems and natural resources.  Governments and Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) are crucial actors in implementing these strategies and empowering FDP.  


Expected outcomes

• Showcase effective policies, measures and practices in promoting forest-based food security and nutrition, and poverty reduction.
• Highlight innovative approaches, practices and tools, that empower forest-dependent communities and small-scale producers to access social protection, engage in forest landscape restoration, and participate in value chains for enhanced food security, poverty reduction, and income generation.
• Facilitate discusses on lessons learned and identify key actions to scale up successful practices for ensuring food security and poverty alleviation.