New Publication: Indigenous Food Trees in Landscape Restoration [17.08.26]
A new paper co-authored by Bowy den Braber examines how indigenous food trees could support food and nutrition alongside landscape restoration efforts in Africa.Can restoring landscapes also contribute to better nutrition?
A new paper in PNAS Nexus, co-authored by Bowy den Braber from our department, explores how indigenous food trees could play a greater role in landscape restoration in Africa. Focusing on Malawi, the authors consider how the choice of tree species can influence not only ecological restoration, but also the food and nutrition benefits that restored landscapes provide.
Large-scale restoration initiatives often favour fast-growing exotic tree species. Indigenous food trees, however, can provide fruits, leaves, nuts and seeds rich in important nutrients while also contributing to the restoration of degraded landscapes.
Working with restoration practitioners in Malawi, the authors identified several practical challenges that need greater attention. These include:
- improving the propagation of indigenous food trees,
- increasing seedling survival, and
- developing stronger value chains for tree-based foods.
The paper highlights the importance of considering not only how many trees are planted in restoration efforts, but also which species are planted. Giving greater attention to indigenous food trees could help restoration efforts support both ecological goals and access to nutritious foods.
The open-access paper is available in PNAS Nexus:
https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/5/6/pgag156/8713054
