Mr. Vira says crops that grow on trees can help feed people living in and around forests.
“It’s like an insurance policy. Having access to those tree-based foods is hugely important when you can’t buy food from other sources or when you can’t produce food because your fields have failed.”
The growing of crops requires fields. Many fields are created by clearing, or removing, trees. But Mr. Vira says properly managed fields and forests can exist together.
He says if you increase food production in the field, you can keep the forest and trees. He says they are important for the products and services they provide.
The report says that forest health and economic value improves when people who live in or near forests are given greater control of them. For example, a project in Ghana aims for proper management of forests and fields together.
The people involved hope to grow the All an blackia plant. The oil from its seed can be used in soap, beauty products and food.
Okai Michael Henchard leads the project. He says he will help people who live nearby. He says they earn money and get trees on their land.
The trees provide shade and improve air quality. Mr. Hen chard says the project also helps fight climate change.