Two billion people currently suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Existing literature shows that forests can improve people’s dietary quality. Yet, forests are often overlooked in food security policies, which focus primarily on the production of staple crops. The Bonn Challenge has set a goal of restoring 350 million hectares of forest by 2030, but it remains unclear whether restored forests will exhibit the species diversity needed to improve diets in the same way as existing forests. The Bonn Challenge is a global goal to bring 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes into restoration by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.
So, researchers report how forest regrowth in Nigeria has affected people’s dietary quality. The report combines a new map on forest regrowth with food consumption panel data from over 1100 households, and uses a combination of regression and weighting analyses to generate quasi-experimental quantitative estimates of the impacts of forest regrowth on people’s food intake. The researchers found that people living in areas where forest regrowth has occurred have a higher intake of fruits and vegetables and thus a higher dietary diversity.
People’s diets are improved along four key pathways.
There has been a recent surge in research establishing that forests can provide considerable benefits to households, including improved dietary quality. These experts claimed that forests can improve people’s diets along four key pathways. According to them, the most direct way is via the provision of wild foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and animal products (such as bushmeat and insects), all of which are high in essential micronutrients. The second pathway is through income gains from sales of non-timber forest products (NTFP), which can facilitate the purchase of nutritious foods from markets.
Another pathway is via the flow of ecosystem services from forests into surrounding agricultural landscapes which can in turn increase and/or diversify production. The fourth pathway is via the provision of fuelwood for cooking, which can improve nutrition by facilitating the preparation of a range of foods, particularly those with long cooking times, as well as making water that is boiled, making it safe to drink. The researchers examined how the regrowth of tropical forests from 2000 to 2012 has affected local people’s dietary quality and living standards in Nigeria.
Findings by these researchers on the effect of forest regrowth.
They found that people living in areas with regrowth from 2000 to 2012 consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables in 2018 than households with no regrowth in their surroundings. Another key finding was that regrowth was significantly related to higher fruit and vegetable diversity. This suggests that the regrowth areas exhibited the species diversity needed to facilitate the consumption of a wider variety of both fruits and vegetables. Tree species common in natural regrowth initiatives in Nigeria include the rapidly growing “Antiaris toxicaria and Lecaniodiscus cupanioides,” both of which are yielding edible fruits.
Along with fruit and vegetable diversity, they also examined the effects on people’s overall dietary diversity. They found that regrowth area had a marginal positive effect on household dietary diversity score (DDS). Finally, they found that regrowth led to higher living standards (such as lower Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) value). Specifically, they found statistically significant effect sizes of regrowth area on MPI living standards, which equated to an average improvement (index decline, for example) in living standards.
Study responds to recent calls for wellbeing-related metrics.
These results provide empirical evidence that forest regrowth has led to better dietary quality and higher living standards in Nigeria. The researchers suggested that there are at least five interacting pathways through which this could be occurring. Importantly, the study responds to recent calls for measuring the success of restoration initiatives in metrics related to improved human well-being and health. While one major advancement of existing knowledge is their focus on forest regrowth rather than plantations, they also use a comprehensive measurement of living standards, whereas previous studies have measured ‘well-being’ benefits through simple indicators.
Related Link
Bonn Challenge: Website
Forest regrowth improves dietary quality. – Researchers on how forest regrowth in Nigeria has an affect on people. – Express your point of view.
We must increase the size of our forest. For the preservation of our ecology, forest regrowth is very crucial. Additionally, it will aid in stopping degradation. This method of forest regrowth will really help us in the country to keep our environment safe and sound this is a good initiatives
I’m delighted to learn about the positive impact of forest regrowth on dietary quality in Nigeria. It’s essential to protect our environment and promote sustainable practices for the well-being of our communities.
I completely agree with the researchers’ findings that forest regrowth in Nigeria can have a significant impact on people’s dietary quality. As forests regenerate, they provide a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports the growth of various plants, fruits, nuts, and other edible resources. These resources contribute to a more balanced and nutritious diet for the local communities.
Forest regrowth not only increases the availability of food but also enhances the quality of the diet. The diverse range of plant species found in regrowing forests offers a variety of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for maintaining good health. Additionally, forest regrowth can support sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroforestry, which combines tree cultivation with crop production. This integrated approach helps improve soil fertility, conserve water, and promote biodiversity, all of which contribute to better agricultural yields and food security.
However, it is crucial to ensure that forest regrowth is managed sustainably and with the involvement of local communities. This includes implementing measures to prevent deforestation and illegal logging, promoting reforestation initiatives, and supporting the conservation of existing forests. Additionally, efforts should be made to educate and raise awareness among the population about the importance of forests and their role in improving dietary quality and overall well-being.
In conclusion, forest regrowth in Nigeria has a profound impact on people by improving dietary quality, supporting sustainable agriculture, creating economic opportunities, and mitigating climate change. It is a valuable resource that should be protected, nurtured, and responsibly managed for the benefit of present and future generations. 🌳🌿🍃
Nigerian forest regrowth benefits the populace in significant ways by enhancing food quality, fostering sustainable agriculture, generating employment opportunities, and reducing climate change. As forests recover, they offer a diverse and rich habitat that fosters growth. It is a precious resource that needs to be safeguarded,