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NWFPS AND THEIR ROLE • Baobab (Adansonia digitata), camel- health and safety considerations, is required %IN FOOD SECURITY AND foot (Bauhinia thonningii) and black to produce pure phytopharmaceuticals used HEALTH CARE plum (Vitex doniana) are excellent in modern medicine. Moreover, as these sources of calcium. The baobab seed compounds naturally occur in small NWFPs for food and medicine kernel is also rich in protein (28.7 quantities in a plant, large volumes of raw Foodstuffs. In recent years, NWFPs have percent dry weight) and fat (29.5 material have to be processed to enable attracted considerable global interest percent). As such, it is an important economies of scale. (Source: Elaine because of the increasing recognition that source of vegetable oil for household Marshall and Cherukat Chandrasekharan. not only can they improve rural livelihoods, cooking. 2009. Non-farm income from non-wood household food security and nutrition, but Medicine. Some 35 000 plant species have forest products. FAO Diversification Booklet their harvest may be more ecologically been used for medicinal purposes. An 12. Rome, FAO, Rural Infrastructure and benign than that of timber. estimated 80 percent of the world’s Agro-Industries Division.) Edible NWFPs used as food staples, population depends largely on traditional supplements and additives include natural medicines – mostly derived from Honey is both a superfood and medicine bushmeat, honey, edible fruits and nuts, plants. Over 25 percent of the drugs in Honey is the partially digested flower leaves, shoots, tubers, whole plants and modern pharmacopoeias are originally plant nectar regurgitated from a bee’s stomach. fungi. They are important food sources for derived, either as pure It is also one of the most diverse and forest-dependent communities. phytopharmaceuticals extracted from delicious foods on Earth. plants, or as synthetic derivatives. Forest Honey has been used as food and flora and fauna are a hidden chest of organic medicine for perhaps 10 000 years and has chemicals, including phytochemicals, aroma been cultivated by humans for at least 3 000 GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OF DIFFERENT chemicals and agrochemicals. The years. We know it today as a substitute for SPECIES YIELDING EDIBLE NWFPS anticancer compound taxol is extracted from white granulated sugar but, for most of the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), and history, honey was the basic source of food Africa. Desert date (Balanites aegyptica), phytochemicals from Pterocarpus osum are sweetening, and sugar only recently became twisted cluster or stink bean (Parkia used in treating sickle-cell disease. The more popular as a low-cost alternative. speciosa), Chinese date (Zizyphus origins of traditional herbal medicine However, when the benefits of honey are zizyphus), mango (Mangifera spp.) and predate all existing records, and the considered, the cost should be irrelevant. the neem tree (Melia azadirachta). knowledge accumulated over thousands of In addition to its many culinary uses, Asia. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), years in different parts of the world is vast. honey has a long and impressive résumé as mangostein (Garcinia mangostana), All the agro-ecological regions and a medicinal healer. In traditional medicine tengkawang (Shorea stenoptera), milk subregions have a large number of it has been used for treating gastric ulcers, fruit (Chrysophyllum spp.), gooseberry medicinal plants that are used locally, for burns, high blood pressure, sore throats (Ribes uva-crispa), sea buckthorn example: Alstonia scholaris, Aconitum and dry coughs. (Hippophae spp.) and cardamom heterophyllum, Aegle marmelos, Modern medicine is also now recognizing (Elettaria and Amomum spp.). Cinnamomum camphora, Aquilaria sp., the medicinal benefits of honey. In 2007, Latin America. Brazil nut (Bertholletia Emblica officinalis, Panax sp. and research at Penn State College of Medicine excelsa), bacuri (Platonia insignis), camu- Tinospora crispa in parts of Asia; Tagetes (United States of America) concluded that a camu (Myrciaria dubia), cupuassu glandulifera, Mauritia flexuosa, small amount of buckwheat honey before (Theobroma grandiflorum) and jatoba Pithecellobium avaremotemo, Chinchona bed was more effective than over-the- (Hymenaea courbaril). sp. and Hyptis pectinata in parts of Central counter cough suppressants for children and South America; and Prunus africana, over two years of age. Also in 2007, the FDA Curtisia pentata, Cryptocarya myrtifolia, (United States Food and Drug Gnetum africanum and Catharanthus Administration) approved a line of wound In several African countries, wild fruits roseus in parts of Africa. care dressings lined in honey. Because play an important role in people’s diets and Traditional medicines for local use involve honey is high in sugar and low in moisture it contribute to the economy of the rural simple preparation methods such as hot and has been traditionally used to fight bacterial community. A study of indigenous edible cold water extraction, expression of juice growth, producing hydrogen peroxide as it fruits carried out by the University of after crushing, powdering of dried material, draws moisture from wounds. It also Malawi found the following. formulation of powder into pastes via such contributes to reduced swelling and • Fruits of the monkey bread tree vehicles as water, oil or honey and even inflammation. (Adansonia digitata), kharub (Bauhinia fermentation after adding a sugar source. In addition, honey has been shown to aid thonningii) and chocolate berry (Vitex Preparation of standard extracts and their digestion, and an Oklahoma allergist even sp.) are excellent sources of vitamin C. conversion into dosage forms are activities claims that one teaspoon of raw honey every • Wild custard apple (Anona that can be undertaken as a rural-based day is effective to treat 90 percent of senegalensis) and Natal mahogany small industry to meet the demands of local allergies. (Trichilia emetica) are rich in protein. populations. This is essential in areas where The best honey to buy is raw organic • Governor’s plum (Flacourtia indica) traditional medicines are the main form of straight from the hive. Most honey is and the snake bean tree (Syzygium treatment for illness. Additional processing pasteurized and the heating process destroys guineense) are rich sources of iron. with sophisticated machinery, and also with some of the beneficial properties of the

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honey, including some of the phytonutrients. were collected through 16 key informant Ramón nut: a little nut with big Raw honey is a creamy solid, not liquid, and interviews, three focus group discussions, possibilities contains propolis, sometimes called "bee 52 household level questionnaire surveys Planted by the ancient Maya in their forest glue", that honeybees use to seal the hive (21 female and 31 male respondents) and gardens and once found throughout and make it safe from bacteria. Propolis direct observation. Central America, the ramón tree has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal The study found that the main sources of (Brosimum alicastrum) towers above its properties. Raw honey also contains other household production are agriculture and neighbouring trees in Guatemala’s Maya phytonutrients that have cancer-preventing livestock, with MAPs contributing around 12 Biosphere Reserve, providing a habitat for and anti-tumour properties and may help percent of total household production (5 spider and howler monkeys, retaining soils prevent colon cancer. percent in Baitadi and 18 percent in and water and helping to regulate the Children under the age of 12 months Darchula). climate. But it is the fruit of the ramón that should not be given honey since their Most of the households agreed that the holds the greatest potential for immature digestive systems cannot process contribution of MAPs in household communities within the reserve and could botulism spores that can be present in production is high; 39 percent of respondents provide them with a key to alleviating honey, maple syrup and corn syrup, but agreed that it made a moderate change in poverty, conserving forests, improving which older systems can handle. their food security, followed by significant health and nourishing their children. Honeybees are in danger of disappearing change (25 percent), no change (24 percent), Locals have long collected the chocolate- from the United States of America because minimum change (12 percent) and no flavoured ramón or Maya nut, roasting it of colony collapse disorder and this, responses for highly significant. The over an open flame (or drying it with combined with other factors, will continue to collection of MAPs has a significant impact on heaters) before grinding it into flour that raise the price of honey. But pay up. This is food security for poor and MAPs-dependent acts as the basis for an assortment of pure gold. (Source: examiner.com [United people. Similarly, of the ten options that popular foods. While its nutritious States of America], 2 September 2009.) MAPs provide (improved livelihood, properties are widely known throughout the diversified livelihood, increase in marketing region, until recently no clearly defined Medicinal and aromatic plants and their access, increase in income, increase in strategy existed for incorporating the nuts role in attaining food security in the high knowledge, food security, increase in into the diets of Guatemala’s rural and hills of Nepal bargaining power, improved health condition, indigenous children, 49 percent of whom Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are improved well-being and women’s status), suffer from chronic malnutrition. an integral component of the rich respondents mostly ranked food security in Thanks to “Healthy Kids, Healthy Forests” biodiversity of every society. They are also the first four. Overall, food security and – a programme launched by the Rainforest attracting increasing attention from both increased incomes were ranked first. Alliance, the Equilibrium Fund, the development planners and It is obvious that the collection and sale of Guatemalan Ministry of Education, the environmentalists because of their multiple MAPs have a positive impact on food security Banco de Desarrollo Rural S.A., the National functions and potential contribution to for the local people dwelling in the high Forest Service of Guatemala, Alimentos improving the livelihoods of rural and mountain areas of Nepal. MAPs are most Nutri-Naturales and the Association of marginalized communities. MAPs are an important for the poor and those holding less Community Forestry Concessionaires of important source of income, medicine, dyes, land who, in one way or another, are Petén – communities throughout the nutraceuticals, food products and dependent on MAPs for their livelihoods. reserve will now be able to capitalize on the cosmeceuticals, benefiting the poor and Some of the major problems faced by MAPs nut’s many benefits. The world’s first ramón landless in mountain and highland regions. collectors were improper prices for their nut-based school lunch programme is Earnings from MAPs have predominantly collected goods, lack of proper market helping to feed more than 8 000 children been used to bring about food security by information, inadequate value-addition from 46 rural communities, while providing most of the people living in the high technology and inadequate physical jobs for women and offering a real incentive mountain areas of Nepal. infrastructures such as roads and for forest conservation. Our research focused on Baitadi and warehouses. With better management of The enterprising children – and the Darchula, which are located in the far western MAPs, there would be more possibilities for adults who accompany them into the forest part of Nepal and, according to national marginalized and poor households to – deliver their hauls to the local bakery, indicators, the least developed districts of the improve and increase their opportunities to where they receive one quetzal (about 12 country. Geographic complexity and attain food security. (Contributed by: Ram P. cents) for every pound (0.45 kg) of ramón remoteness, poverty, food scarcity, illiteracy, Acharya, Managing Director, and Rijan gathered. An all-female staff removes the few economic opportunities and the absence Tamrakar, Programme Officer, PSPL, Nepal.) skins from the nuts before roasting them. of land transportation and communication "Before, I had no job," says Lubia Flores facilities are the major challenges for FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Rodriguez, who works in the Ixlú bakery development in the districts. Mr Ram P. Acharya, Managing Director, removing the nut’s tender skins. "Now I The study was carried out in a Practical Solution Consultancy Nepal (PSPL), come to work and I am able to make a participatory, consultative and Madhyapur Thmi Ward No-15, Kausaltar, living," she says. multiperspective (polyvocal) way, combining Bhaktapur, Nepal. E-mail: Once they have been roasted, the nuts are both qualitative and quantitative data [email protected] or ground into flour and distributed to teachers collection methods and utilizing a disclosure [email protected]; and school boards in nearly 50 communities and verification approach. The primary data http://psplnepal.org/index.php throughout Petén. The flour is used to make

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While medicinal fungi have routinely been used in traditional Chinese medicine, only recently has commercial activity related to the ONE-SIXTH OF HUMANITY IS HUNGRY medicinal properties of mushrooms increased. In fact, in addition to all essential • How many? FAO estimates that 1.02 amino acids, some mushrooms have the billion people are undernourished medicinal benefits of certain polysaccharides, worldwide. This is the highest number believed to boost the immune system. since 1970. Today, an estimated 6 percent of edible • Where do the hungry live? Brosimum alicastrum mushrooms are known to have medicinal Sub-Saharan Africa: 265 million; properties and can be found in health tonics, Asia and the Pacific: 642 million; Latin wholesome food (ramón is a naturally tinctures, teas, soups and herbal formulas. America and the Caribbean: 53 complete protein, high in calcium, fibre and Lentinula edodes (shiitake) and Volvariella million; Near East and North Africa: potassium) for school lunches. volvacea (Chinese or straw mushroom), 42 million; developed countries: 15 "Worried about poverty and the struggle both edible fungi with medicinal virtues, are million. Asia and the Pacific, the to feed our children adequately, we found in widely diffused and cultivated. Shiitake world’s most populous region, is the ramón nut a nutritious food and a source mushrooms are said to combat tumours and home to the largest number of of work for rural women," said Gladis possess antiviral properties; they also hungry people. Yet sub-Saharan Rodriguez, President of the Association for remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. Africa has the largest prevalence of the Development of Women of Ixlú. "Thanks Other species, such as Pleurotus (oyster), undernourishment relative to its to the support of the Rainforest Alliance (and Auricularia (mu-er), Flammulina population size (32 percent). other organizations) that helped us start this (enokitake), Termella (yin-er) and Grifola • Why? The current global economic project, we look forward to a better future (maitake) are known, to varying degrees, for slowdown – following soaring food for all our families." (Source: Rainforest boosting the immune system, lowering prices in 2006–2008 – lies behind the Alliance, 28 August 2009.) lipids, combating tumours and regulating sharp increase in world hunger. It has blood pressure as well as possessing reduced incomes and employment Mushrooms for food and medicine microbial and viral properties, among other opportunities of the poor and Mushroom cultivation is a source of therapeutic effects. (Source: Elaine significantly lowered their access to economic, nutritional and medicinal value, Marshall and N.G. (Tan) Nair. 2009. Make food. Yet longer-term chronic hunger providing direct benefits to livelihoods. While money by growing mushrooms. FAO symptomatic of poverty is at the core extra caution is necessary in distinguishing Diversification Booklet 7. Rome, FAO, Rural of the problem. between species that can be consumed as Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division.) • What are the options? The number of food and those that are lethal, their benefits (Please see pages 34–35 for more hungry people has remained above cannot be overestimated. Trade in cultivated information.) 800 million for the past 40 years. This mushrooms can provide a readily available reveals the fragility of the present food and important source of cash income for NWFPs and food security system. In order to fight hunger, a men and women as well as act as a valuable NWFPs can provide important community twin-track approach remains key, safety net during times of stress. For needs to improve rural livelihoods, involving both measures for immediate millennia, mushrooms have also been contribute to household food security and relief and more fundamental structural cultivated for their medicinal properties. nutrition, help to generate additional changes. Above all, mushrooms can make an employment and income, offer (Source: www.fao.org/hunger/en/) important contribution to the diets of people opportunities for processing enterprises, in developing countries, which are often contribute to foreign exchange earnings lacking in nutrients. and support biodiversity conservation and Today, mushrooms are increasingly other environmental objectives. their nutritional, cooking and/or health considered as fair substitutes for meat, with NWFPs contribute in many ways to needs. Trees and forests contribute to a protein content ranging between 19 and combating malnutrition and improving improving the well-being of local 35 percent. Additionally, their nutritional diets in local communities and rural populations by providing the right variety of value is comparable with many vegetables: households. Not only do they directly food, flavourings, medicines and they are a good source of vitamins B, C and provide food and medicines, but they also beverages. D – including niacin, riboflavin, thiamine indirectly increase income and improve Furthermore, NWFPs can offer vital and folate – and contain various minerals agricultural production, thereby improving insurance against malnutrition or famine such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, access to food. Hunger and malnutrition during times of seasonal food shortage or magnesium, iron and copper. Mushrooms would be significantly worse if it were not emergencies such as droughts, floods or also provide energy, yet are low in fat and for the contribution of trees and forests to wars. It is common for rural households to fibre. Moreover, the high water content of household food security. depend on forest foods between harvests, fresh mushrooms (about 90 percent) Many rural households in developing when harvested stocks have been makes prolonging their shelf-life and countries, and a proportion of urban consumed but before new crops are preserving their flavour and nutrients households, depend on plant and animal mature. Women, in particular, count on simple (through drying). products from forests to meet some part of these resources for supplementary

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nutrition, emergency food, and many other Cereus pterogonus Lemaire (Cactaceae): important products they need to ensure the Bella Kalli, Irula. A profusely branched nutritional well-being of their families. columnar shrub found alongside roads and NWFPs also contribute indirectly to fences. The flowers are harvested from household food security through the March to June and cooked with salt; they generation of income and employment are commonly eaten with rice. from their sale and exchange. Marketable Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae): forest products provide the opportunity to Naaval, Irula, Kurumba. This evergreen supplement household income, as well as tree is found in a variety of habitats – from constituting a relief source in times of plains to 1 400 m. Its ripened fruits are shortages. dark blue and eaten raw. Large quantities NWFP-earned income is used to purchase of these fruits are collected between June foods; in other cases it may be invested in and July and sold locally in markets. agricultural land or agricultural inputs, such (Source: extracted from: “Major wild edible Cycas circinalis as seeds or livestock. Thus the link between plants of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in generated income and food security must be seeds are filtered and the kernels ground India” in Voices from the Forest, Edition assumed, while keeping in mind that income into a paste (often with salt and chilli). No.17, September 2009.) also contributes to other "securities", such Acacia pennata (L.) Willd. (Mimosaceae): as housing, education or clothing. Seengai dagu, Irula, Kurumba. An extensive Edible insects "rediscovered" in Central The contribution of NWFPs to food armed straggler found along forest borders Africa security in developing countries, therefore, and scrub jungles. Its young leaves are Many edible insects, such as caterpillars is significant, diversified and valuable; it harvested during pre-monsoon periods, and grubs, are important sources of ranges from direct production of food to cooked with lentils, and eaten with millet. protein and should be considered an provision of jobs and income, with wild food Scutia myrtina (Burm.f.) Kurz alternative in efforts to increase food plants complementing food intake and being (Rhamnaceae): Kokkimullu, Sodali, Irula, security in Central African countries, consumed throughout the year. Kurumba. A straggling thorny shrub found nutritionists said today. While this is (Contributed by: Ms Agnese Bazzucchi, commonly in forest borders and scrub common knowledge to many of the Volunteer, NWFP Programme, Forest jungles from plains to 1 200 m. Its ripened peoples of the Central African region, the Economics, Policy and Products Division, fruits are edible. importance of edible insects has only now Forestry Department, FAO. E-mail: Dioscorea oppositfolia L. (Dioscoreaceae): been rediscovered by nutritionists. [email protected]) Rhea Kangu, Irula. An extensive climber According to a study published by FAO, Agnese Bazzucchi is working as a volunteer found on thickets and in secondary forest edible insects must be reconsidered as an with the NWFP Programme and using this patches above 750 m. The plant’s tuber is the important source of protein in Central experience as part of her Master’s degree in main food source for the Kurumba Africa. These widely eaten insects are not food security. community. The tubers are harvested from only nutritious, but also potentially income January to April and eaten boiled (with salt) generating and a manner of biological pest Major wild edible plants in India or deep-fried. control. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) in the Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Roxb. Caterpillars are already an important southern Western Ghats, India, hosts a (Poaceae): Dodda biddur, Kurumba, Billia food intake for many in Central Africa, wide variety of wild edible plants. Local moonga, Irula. A tall, erect green bamboo according to the FAO study. About 85 tribes have a wealth of knowledge about with spines found in moist deciduous to percent of participants in a survey in the these forest resources, consuming flowers, semi-evergreen forests. The young shoots Central African Republic consume roots, fibres, tubers, leaves and so on for are harvested and cooked with tamarind and caterpillars; 70 percent in Congo Kinshasa food. Women and children in particular other ingredients; they are often eaten with (the Democratic Republic of the Congo) have long collected wild foods, although millet. and 91 percent in Botswana. "Edible today the practice is declining. The loss of Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae): Kakkae insects from forests are an important interest on the part of younger generations dagu, Irula. A small shrub found along source of protein and, unlike those from – who prefer foods from local markets – is riverbanks, in agricultural fields and agricultural land, they are free of a major threat to the local knowledge base. wastelands from plains to 1 500 m. The pesticides," said Paul Vantomme, an FAO Among the foods collected are the leaves are cooked with lentils and often eaten forestry expert. following. with rice or millet. The shrub also boasts For every 100 g of dried caterpillars, Dioscorea tomentosa L. (Dioscoreaceae): medicinal properties and is used by locals to there are about 53 g of protein, about 15 Nooral Kangu, Irula. A sparsely prickly, treat stomach aches, chest pains and mouth percent of fat and about 17 percent of tuberous climber common on forest slopes ulcers. carbohydrates. Their energy value and borders of many districts. These tubers Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae): amounts to around 430 kilocalories per are harvested during the summer season Naralaikkodi, Irula, Kurumba. A rambling 100 g. The insects are also believed to have and eaten boiled (with salt) or deep-fried. shrub with a quadrangular stem found along a higher proportion of protein and fat than Cycas circinalis L. (Cycadaceae): Irula, forest paths and scrub jungles of deciduous beef and fish with a high energy value. Kurumba. A short palm-like tree found in forests. The young stem and leaves are Depending on the species, caterpillars some isolated pockets of the NBR. Its combined with tamarind to make chutney. are rich in important minerals such as

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potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and iron, as well as various vitamins, the FAO study revealed. Research SNAILS PROVIDE A TASTY SOURCE as malaria and contributes to a fifth of shows that 100 g of insects provide more OF IRON, STUDY FINDS maternal deaths, according to the World than 100 percent of the daily requirements Health Organization (WHO). of the respective minerals and vitamins. Snail meat could be a cheap, tasty and Snail meat has figured in the diet of Because of caterpillars’ high nutritional nutritious food, and help reduce anaemia Asian countries, and of African people value, in some regions flour made from caused by a lack of iron in the diet, living in forested areas, for thousands of caterpillars is mixed to prepare pulp given according to a Nigerian researcher. years. Pa Tamba Ngom, a researcher in to children to counter malnutrition, said Ukpong Udofia, a nutritionist the nutrition programme at Mr Vantomme. "Contrary to what many at the University of Uyo, the Gambia's Medical may think, caterpillars are not considered analysed the nutritional Research Council, added: an emergency food, but are an integral value of the meat of the "Here in the West African part of the diet in many regions, according giant West African land snail subregion, especially Senegal to seasonal availability. They are (Archachatina marginata). and the Gambia, it is very consumed as a delicacy," he added. She found it to have a higher famous and included in one The collection of edible insects is also a protein and iron content, of our main rice dishes, good source of income, especially for and lower fat content, than known as benachin". Ngom women, as they require little capital input beef, as well as containing many essential said that small-scale snail farming systems if gathered by hand. Insects are widely nutrients such as calcium, magnesium should be expanded to protect wild snail offered in local village markets, while and vitamin A. stocks from becoming further some of the preferred species, such as The snail is native to forests and areas endangered by overgathering. Sapelli caterpillars, reach urban markets of moist vegetation in West African Sonya Begg, an Australian snail and restaurants. countries such as Cameroon, Côte farming expert, said the snail could pose Transborder trade in edible insects is d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. a public health threat if eaten raw and significant not only within Central African Udofia tested the tastiness and infected with the rat lungworm parasite countries, but also with the Sudan and acceptability of the meat by asking a (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which can Nigeria. On a smaller scale, they are even group of mothers and their school-age cause a rare form of meningitis in exported to France and Belgium, two children whether they preferred a pie humans. She added that people should countries that according to the study made from snail or beef. Most preferred eat only farmed snails to ensure the import about 5 tonnes and 3 tonnes the appearance, texture and flavour of snails had eaten only non-poisonous respectively of a dried caterpillar species the snail pie. foods. annually from Congo Kinshasa. The annual Iron-deficiency anaemia is common in Udofia's study has been published in export to Belgium is valued at US$41 500. children and women across Africa and the International Journal of Food Safety, Many caterpillar species nourish on the developing world. Caused by a lack Nutrition and Public Health. (Source: fresh leaves. Although trees usually of iron, it is exacerbated by diseases such ScienceDaily, 2 December 2009.) respond by producing a second growth of leaves, after several attacks trees may lose vitality, according to FAO. "Harvesting caterpillars thus contributes to Food from the forests of tropical Asia Below is a taste of some forest foods – maintaining the natural reproduction of The importance of forest foods in whose nutritional value often goes trees and serves as a biological pest providing food security is often unrecognized – found in wide use in control," the United Nations agency said. underestimated. For many indigenous tropical Asia. According to Mr Vantomme, Central communities especially, foods gathered Beska-kenil chutney Africa's edible insects need to be from forests are vital, particularly during Kenil, a species of red ants of the genus rediscovered by Western scientists and food times of famine or seasonal scarcity. Their Cremattogaster, are found in many parts security researchers. "The nutritional and nutritional value – in terms of proteins and of tropical Asia, including the Durwa and economic value of edible insects is often micronutrients – cannot be overestimated. Koitoor tracts of Bastar and Malkangiri neglected and we should further encourage Leafy vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, districts in eastern and central India, their collection and commercialization, fruits, nuts, tubers, honey and insects are where they are widely used in local diets. given the benefits to the environment and only some of the foods that forests These ants make small nests in the leaves human health," Mr Vantomme said. (Source: produce. of trees, especially sal (Shorea robusta) afrol News, 8 November 2009.) The destruction of forest habitats, trees; they have eggs and larvae that are however, has severely threatened this vital available all year. Being rich in ascorbic FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: food base. Together with the introduction acid, the ants are useful in treating Mr Paul Vantomme, Senior Forestry Officer of “modern”, processed and comparatively common colds. (NWFP), Forest Products and Industries Team, nutrient-poor food items into the diets of Beska refers to the plant as well as the Forest Economics, Policy and Products indigenous communities and cultural root of Costus speciosus, a herb of the Division, Forestry Department, FAO. erosion, local knowledge of these valuable ginger family that sprouts after the first E-mail: [email protected] foods is dissipating. showers of the monsoon in many parts of

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tropical Asia. Its leaves are spirally programme in 1998. Unlike traditional A vegetable fern, Diplazium esculentum – arranged on the stem, with white flowers programmes that involve the development of potential for food security and socio- and a bright red calyx. Its ginger-like new varieties by agribusiness companies, economic development in the Himalayas rhizomes are slightly stringy and not so which are then grown in monoculture Belonging to the tropical eastern hemisphere strong as ginger. For this reason, it can be plantations, local farmers play a central role and distributed in Southeast Asia, China and eaten raw in large quantities. It is also a in developing, testing and selecting new Japan, Diplazium esculentum Retz. Swartz popular ingredient in many types of varieties. Additionally, farmers receive (Athyriaceae) is one of the top preferred chutney. Combined, beska-kenil makes training in horticulture techniques. At the edible ferns in the Himalayas. In many parts chutney, often used in tropical Asian diets. time there were just two farmer-run of eastern Southeast Asia, people use this Sago worm nurseries in Cameroon; today there are mineral- and energy-rich edible species by The larvae of the sago weevil (Rhynochophorus several hundred. Many farmers have seen cooking the upper shoots/fronds as bilineatus) are extremely efficient their incomes increase threefold. vegetables. transformers of Eugeissona utilis sago starch “The last great round of crop In the Indian Himalayas, the species is into more nourishing fat and protein. Locally, domestication took place during the green known by different names – ningru in Sikkim, they are known as “baby fat” and are viewed as revolution [in the mid-twentieth century], lingri in Himachal Pradesh (HP), lingra in important for the growth of young children. which developed high-yielding varieties of Uttarakhand and dhekia in other (Source: Jenne de Beer. Extracted from: starchy staples such as rice, maize and northeastern states. In Bangladesh, the plant “Food from the forest” in Voices from the wheat,” says Roger Leaky, a former director is commonly called dheki shak, paloi shak Forest, Edition No.17, September 2009.) of research at the World Agroforestry Centre. and, in tribal areas, teria shak. Distributed “This new round could scarcely be more worldwide, the genus Diplazium represents Evaluating underexploited indigenous fruits different.” Leaky calls these fruits of the 474 species and eight hybrids. Tropical to improve food security forest “Cinderella species,” because they America alone is known to have 100 species. The African continent is home to some 3 000 have long gone unexploited. It is time, he The stout caudex in D. esculentum may species of wild fruit trees. In Cameroon says, that these indigenous fruits step into reach 1.5 m in height; fronds are bipinnate or alone, fruits and seeds from over 300 the limelight. (Source: extracted from: tripinnate with sori on both leaf surfaces indigenous trees are eaten, according to a “Cinderella fruit: wild delicacies become along the veins. Available literature indicates study carried out by Cameroon's University cash crops” by Charlie Pye-Smith in New that the edible fronds are rich in iron, of Dschang. A similar study conducted by Scientist, issue 2733, 10 November 2009.) phosphorus, potassium and protein, richer FAO in rural Ethiopia found that wild foods, also known as “famine foods”, can cover an estimated 80 percent of the food needs for some families, particularly in times of stress. SUPERFRUIT GOJI BERRY According to goji legend, use of the Chocolate berries, star apples, gingerbread (LYCIUM BARBARUM) berry stretches back over 3 000 years. It is plums, monkey oranges, tree grapes and a said that Tibetan monks who drank from a host of other unexploited African plant Superfruits are a relatively new addition to well surrounding goji berry vines found resources might soon help broaden and contemporary diets. They are, for the most longevity by drinking the water into which secure the continent’s food supply, says a part, small fruits with some amazing claims goji berries fell at random. The monks study published by the United States as to their health benefits and nutritional then spread the word through travellers, National Research Council. content. Since they are relatively new, creating a conspicuous amount of interest According to the study, a vast array of there have been few clinical trials on about the new anti-ageing miracle. African wild fruits is ripe for domestication. which to base these claims. Goji berries seem to explode with Tree domestication is not new to the The bright orange to red goji berry is nutritional value. They have at least 18 continent. During the mid-1990s, grown mainly in Tibet (Autonomous amino acids, 21 trace minerals, protein, researchers from the World Agroforestry Region). There is some debate linking the and are a truly rich source of carotenoids. Centre surveyed local people across West goji berry to the wolfberry which, Of the 21 trace minerals one, germanium, Africa, southern Africa and the Sahel to although the same species, may come is of particular interest for fighting cancer. understand which indigenous trees they from two different places. China and It contains vitamins B, C and E, and valued most. "We were expecting people to Mongolia are thought to be home to the essential fatty acids. point to commercially important timber wolfberry, while goji has been specifically Aside from their anti-ageing uses, goji species, but what they valued most were linked to the berry in Tibet. The Tibetan berries are used to protect the liver and indigenous fruit trees," says Zachary goji alone is thought to have over 40 kidneys, help eyesight, improve circulation, Tchoundjeu, a botanist at the World species. The inside of this colourful berry is bolster immunity, soothe skin problems Agroforestry Centre's regional office in the laden with seeds. Berries are not picked and help with anxiety and sleeplessness. Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé. Except for but shaken from the trees on to mats Although not all of these uses have been their biological names, many specialists at where they are left to dry before proven via clinical studies, there are some the Centre knew next to nothing about these packaging. Touching the berries before studies that seem to have a positive fruits; in contrast, locals had long been packaging and/or drying is said to cause bearing on the use of goji berries overall. utilizing them in their diets. oxidation, turning the goji black. (Source: examiner.com, 10 August 2009.) In response, the World Agroforestry Centre launched a tree domestication

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than that of many conventional vegetables purchase of spores, leading to pressure on and many wild edibles. The mineral content the species in the wild. has also been reported to be several times Very little interest has been shown in At least 40 percent of the world’s economy greater than that present in many assessing the cultivation potential of and 80 percent of the needs of the poor commercial fruits. D. esculentum. The author had tried planting are derived from biological resources. The most common recipe using rhizomatous parts along garden ponds and Holger Standertskjöld, Ambassador, D. esculentum involves cooking the dried shady well-nourished soil beds, but Head of the Delegation of the fronds in oil or butter; using them in a discovered that the best growth is in wild European Commission to Singapore at vegetable curry is less preferred. In the habitats; perhaps the species has special the conference. northeast, especially in Sikkim, and in microhabitat requirements that are not easy the central and northwestern Himalayan to obtain in ex situ conditions. states (HP and Uttarakhand), the local folk At present, the sustainable harvesting and relish both vegetables and pickles from simultaneous habitat conservation of D. D. esculentum. Natives consider these esculentum may boost the cash income of Equatorial Africa, he says, has been recipes effective both to counteract marginal people and their food security with implicated with the emergence of HIV/AIDS. constipation and as an appetizer, especially this nutritive source, especially in rural areas. According to Bernstein, people began as a pickle. Research on population biology, habitat consuming bushmeat because of dwindling In literature, the plant is used dynamics and propagation and cultivation fish stocks. Other reasons include expanding ethnomedicinally to cure skin ailments. A prospects of D. esculentum is a populations and new access to parts of peoples’ perception study by the author prerequisite – especially considering the forests previously inaccessible. covering a dozen villages in the Parvati valley emerging threats from global warming and Preserving these wildlife populations is (HP) revealed that, of 50 consumed wild climate change – as the species prefers crucial for studying and understanding edibles, D. esculentum is used as a wet/shady locations along springs, which human infections. At present, says vegetable/pickle by an average of 66 percent are often susceptible to both global Bernstein, the current rate of extinction of of the respondents. In many Himalayan warming and environmental degradation. species was last seen 65 million years ago. areas, including the study area, the dried (Contributed by: Dr Hemant K Badola, G.B. Climate change might accelerate this leaves are used as cattle bedding. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & trend, bringing a third of current species to Besides its edible use, in Bali Development, Sikkim Unit, PO Box 40, extinction by 2050. Bernstein, who has D. esculentum (locally called pakis) is used in Gangtok (Campus: Pangthang), Sikkim 737 dedicated a large part of his professional traditional ceremonies. The young shoots are 101, India. E-mail: [email protected] or career to examining the health dimensions used as a vegetable (paku shoot) and eaten [email protected]) of a changing environment (e.g. biodiversity as ulam (green leaves) in Malaysia. Studies loss and climate change), also explained have found total antioxidant activity in the Biodiversity for human health the importance of natural products as fresh plant part over boiled D. esculentum. “Just as nutrition, access to health care sources of medicine. D. esculentum is marketed in major parts and clean water, biodiversity is a “We must consider whether or not to of the Indian Himalayas, neighbouring Nepal fundamental determinant of health.” With deal with what is necessary to prevent the and many other countries. A bunch of stout these words, Dr Aaron Bernstein, MD, ailments that we can foresee on the shoots with fronds is sold locally at 8–12 Professor at Harvard Medical School and horizon. In making this deliberation to act rupees in Sikkim and HP. The pickle eaten its Center for Health and the Global or not, to consider biodiversity loss is more with meals or at breakfast is very popular Environment, opened the keynote speech than a matter of ethics, is more than a among the native people throughout the at the Southeast Asian Nations Conference matter of spirituality, it is more than a Himalayan states where the plant is on Biodiversity, held from 21 to 23 October matter of how much it is worth. It is available, with local market rates of 2009 in Singapore. Over 300 delegates perhaps, without fear, a matter of health. lingri/ningru pickle, in both Kullu district (HP) from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Ultimately, we have no choice when it as well as Sikkim, ranging from 60 to 100 Asian Nations) countries convened to comes to protecting biodiversity. We must rupees, depending upon location and discuss emerging trends and issues on protect the natural world if we are to bargaining power. The market season is biodiversity conservation and protect ourselves,” Bernstein concluded. limited from March/April to July in HP, but management. The conference assessed (Source: Manila Bulletin, 26 October 2009.) this season is extended in the rainy state of the status of biodiversity, in light of the (Please see page 69 for more information.) Sikkim, where plants are available 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity throughout the year, with a reduced supply target to achieve “a significant reduction of during the winter months. In Sikkim, of over the current rate of biodiversity loss at the 40 wild edible plants being marketed, global, regional and national level as a D. esculentum is one of the top species sold contribution to poverty alleviation and to in terms of both quantity and number of the benefit of all life on Earth”. retailers, together with Spondias axillaris, Dr Bernstein discussed the importance of Urtica dioica, bamboos, Baccaurea sapida, biodiversity in human health, citing the etc. Highlighting the species as very rare, example of bushmeat consumption and the marketing bids are found on Web sites and emergence of HIV. The increase in hunting advertisements are appearing for the and consumption of bushmeat in western

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BAMBOO: ITS apply to bamboo. However, the many % POTENTIAL ROLE advantages of bamboos, the current extent IN CLIMATE CHANGE of bamboo forests, and a much larger area of potential distribution, would justify Bamboo in climate change and poverty amending the IPCC guidelines and/or alleviation adding specific methodology tools for Bamboos have been overlooked in the bamboo. Regional studies on bamboo current climate change regime. They are carbon assessment, perhaps linked to missing in the forest definitions of the regional bamboo pilot projects, could Marrakech Accords (MA) and the Clean reduce these hurdles, support bamboo as Development Mechanism (CDM). They have the “poor man’s timber” and establish a been disregarded in Intergovernmental sizeable niche for bamboo. The poor man’s Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) timber could become the poor people’s Assessment Reports and in current IPCC carbon sink. (Source: The poor man’s guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emission carbon sink: bamboo in climate change and Inventories. The fact that bamboos are poverty alleviation. NWFP Working botanically not trees but grasses, and that Document 8, FAO.) they have traditionally been considered The current CDM has essentially “the poor man’s timber” may help to bypassed the forest sector which, up to now, FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: explain these omissions. Other global harbours only eight CDM projects from over Mr Maxim Lobovikov, Team Leader, Forest forest definitions, such as those of FAO, 1 800 worldwide. In spite of its explicit goal, Products and Industries Team, Forest include bamboos. the CDM has largely failed to reduce poverty, Economics, Policy and Products Division, A recent study (NWFP Working Document improve livelihoods or foster development in Forestry Department, FAO. E-mail: 8) provides arguments for considering rural neighbourhoods. Sequestering carbon [email protected] bamboos as forests under the CDM, under in bamboo A/R projects might correct this (Please see page 72 for more information on REDD (reducing emissions from deficit by circumventing many of the current this publication.) deforestation and forest degradation) and in impediments for forestry projects. Bamboos National Communications. The Executive combine many attributes that predestine Bamboo to help house tsunami-struck Board of the CDM has recently concurred to them for a sizeable niche in the CDM, Samoans allow bamboo in afforestation/reforestation particularly in small-scale A/R projects. For years, Mr Durnford Dart has run his (A/R) projects, but has left the final decision Advancing climate change will not spare bamboo farm at Belli Park, Queensland, to individual countries. Up to now, only two bamboo. Northerly range shifts have Australia. On 13 October he is flying to Designated National Authorities (DNAs) already occurred. Missing are more reliable Samoa to help to emergency-house as many have accepted bamboos. These decisions forecasts of how bamboos will cope with Samoans as he can, after the devastating apply to the CDM only. projected extreme temperatures, droughts, tsunami which has left thousands homeless. Bamboo distribution overlaps with floods, late or early frosts, or more intense It is not the first time he has been there but prominent CDM host countries in Asia and storms. In any case, short growing cycles this time it is a voluntary mission to “do what Latin America, which can also build on and a rich palette of species should allow I can” to ease the plight of Samoans, with considerable experience with bamboo. In for hedging and flexibility in adapting emergency shelter. contrast, most potential host nations in stands to climatic changes. Mr Dart first established his commercial Africa lack practical exposure to the CDM, Their characteristics also predispose bamboo farm, Bamboo Australia, 20 years but many are at least familiar with bamboos for a prime role in adapting ago, growing edible shoots as a vegetable management of natural and planted human societies to climate change. crop, which was subsequently followed by bamboo. Here, bamboo A/R projects might Reducing poverty and boosting rural an industry for bamboo poles for building eventually spawn a proactive administrative livelihoods are prime measures for structures. “Then 15 years ago I built my structure and CDM projects in other adaptation. Moreover, bamboos may be first geodesic dome, a type of emergency sectors. integrated rapidly into many agroforestry, shelter.” Five years ago, Mr Dart began to Not considering tree-like bamboo stands shifting cultivation and urban systems. trade with Samoa, using bamboo as a viable as forests in the REDD process neglects Beneficial environmental effects of alternative to importing timbers for significant carbon stores, highly effective bamboo, which range from reclamation of structures. “It started with nothing, then carbon sinks and proven pillars of rural severely degraded sites to providing shelter importing plants to propagate,” Mr Dart livelihoods. It invites destruction of bamboo during floods, tsunamis and earthquakes, said. “On my second visit three years ago I forests. New bamboo plantations may curb may foster project developments. However, erected a dome for the forestry department; the pressure for deforestation by serving as not all environmental effects of bamboo are they loved it.” wood substitutes, as woody components of beneficial. That was the introduction, which Mr Dart permanent agroforestry systems, and as a Moreover, bamboo projects in the CDM says has now gone full circle with the means to curb the spread of slash-and- and REDD face their own, specific hurdles. tsunami impacting heavily on the island’s burn agriculture. Thus, incentives for In particular, sampling designs, carbon 160 000 population. “You can put the domes bamboo plantations could become an assessment methods and default up in two hours, but in the meantime the important component of a REDD strategy. parameters devised for timber trees rarely company making connector plates for them

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went out of business,” he said. “Fortunately, monocultures or mixed stands with trees, Conclusions a technical college based in the Samoan and can support agroforestry and mixed 1. Bamboo’s ability to sequester carbon capital, Apia, had the tools to make the cropping systems. Bamboo forest is also during its fast growth, both into above- plates; it got clearance, and they’re coming included in the relevant United Nations ground biomass and into its extensive off the line.” Framework Convention on Climate Change root system, was well demonstrated in There is one more problem: the bamboo (UNFCCC) definitions, meaning that it can the field visit and by the back-of-the planted three years ago takes four years to yield “poor man’s carbon credits” as well. envelope calculations made. mature, despite 4–7 m of rainfall and Some recent studies suggest that 2. On newly established bamboo volcanic soil. It is unknown how many bamboos are more effective plants than plantations, a minimum scale of 4 000 ha shelters can be built in a short time, but Mr trees in increasing carbon stocks through would provide an opportunity to generate

Dart estimates 20 to 50 to start with. sequestration of CO2. A wide range of carbon revenue on a significant scale (Source: Sunshine Coast Daily [Australia], estimates are provided by researchers, from the sales of credits.

11 October 2009.) putting the CO2 sequestering potential 3. On this scale, a potential project would between 12–40 tonnes/ha/year (above repay the investments into carbon Engaging rural bamboo growers in ground). Additionally, the extensive root development costs within the first four northwest Viet Nam with carbon finance: system of bamboo builds up the carbon years. Moreover, the activity would a joint mission to northwest Viet Nam sink faster than bamboo culms or trees. generate sizeable net revenues during Viet Nam is one of the top five most But not all bamboo planting will be the later years, which is a precondition affected countries in the world as a result eligible for carbon finance, as certain lands for any economically sustainable carbon of climate change. In July 2009, FAO and may fail to comply with the criteria set forth project development. INBAR (the International Network for in the carbon project rulebooks. The CDM 4. The replanting of degraded and barren Bamboo and Rattan), supported by a (Clean Development Mechanism) requires forest lands is a government objective, carbon trade consultant and Prosperity that land must not have been cleared after supported by funding programmes that Initiative, a non-profit organization based in 1990, and the Voluntary Carbon Standard are often not performing according to Hanoi, carried out a fact-finding mission on (VCS) requires land not to have been their stated goals. carbon finance opportunities in rural cleared in the previous ten years. Project 5. If large-scale bamboo planting initiatives activities centred around bamboo forests developers should also be aware that the are promoted for carbon finance for the and value chains in Thanh Hoa province of provisions of CDM post-2012 are yet Viet Nam Government, carbon finance Viet Nam. Visits were made to rural undecided, so a sizeable risk for non- would need to be integrated from the communities assisted by the LDP (the compliance exists. very beginning in the planning process Luong Bamboo Development project), Preconditions have to be met and significant efforts be made to identify which operated under the leadership of the A real breakthrough remains to be made in eligible lands, and to set up the required CRD (Cooperative for Rural Development) commercializing carbon offset credits from technical and organizational in Quan Hoa district and has hands-on bamboo forests. Making the transformation infrastructure. activities in one of the potential target from poor rural communities using 6. In Viet Nam, any planting activity on the areas. Local bamboo processing plants bamboo for subsistence into carbon offset scale of various thousands of hectares were also visited to review their potential suppliers is a development challenge that will usually be structured as a for carbon emission offsets from waste requires, for example: government programme. In this context piles (avoiding methane) and turning • good grassroots-level organization of it is important to recognize that processing waste into renewable energy communities and their sensitizing to relabelling existing government (briquettes). carbon income; programmes for the planting of bamboo From poor man’s timber to poor man’s • pooling of bamboo smallholdings into (e.g. the Government’s 661 Programme) carbon credits? large enough blocks to reach critical as carbon activities does not qualify for Bamboo forests in Viet Nam support mostly scale; passing the additionality test that is meagre rural incomes. Often the poorest • clear land tenure and benefit-sharing inherent to project-based carbon finance. households and smallest-scale farmers are rules; Only newly designed programmes with most dependent on bamboo. According to • firm commitment to the decided distinct funding sources would be Prosperity Initiative operating in Thanh Hoa planting targets and management approved and become eligible for carbon province, around 52 percent of the plans of bamboo forests; finance. individuals with bamboo incomes live below • knowledge of the past deforestation 7. The contribution of carbon revenues to the poverty line, 63 percent of bamboo sector and land-use changes in the area; cover planting costs will always be minor jobs are on-farm family work, and 31 percent • applicable methodologies on carbon or negligible. This is not only because of are carried out by female workers. accounting, data collection, the small size of attainable carbon Supply chains of saleable bamboo monitoring/auditing; revenues and the typically high planting products are long and the numerous • proving of additionality and registering costs, but also because of the time lag in intermediaries leave only a small fraction of the carbon offset project activity; and accrual. It is therefore crucial to be of the value of bamboo to farmers. Bamboo • certification against a suitable carbon aware that financing for the actual is often labelled as “poor man’s timber” standard, followed by verification, establishment of plantations will always because of its versatile local uses. It grows issuance and putting carbon need to draw on other sources, unrelated in forest-like natural formations either in commodities for sale. to carbon.

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8. The issuance of carbon offset credits can countries. Twenty-six projects were Furthermore, the gregarious flowering of be requested on an annual basis, with selected for “100 Ideas to Save the Planet”, some species, often worldwide and bridge funding for the first two to three this year's Global Development followed by their death, can constitute

years, which makes a Payment for Marketplace competition, which sought massive CO2 production. On the other hand, Environmental Services (PES) attractive to ideas for protecting developing countries prolonged sequestration of carbon is smallholders. It means that there is a from climate change. provided through the great variety of continuous flow of carbon offsets for sale. The US$5 million competition was bamboo products that range from the This helps farmers understand carbon as cosponsored by the World Bank and the manifold constructions to pulp; many of a perennial income without lengthy Global Environment Facility (GEF), among these uses serve the daily needs of over gestation periods. other institutions. Winning ideas receive up 1.5 billion people. Way forward to US$200 000 in seed money, and Although the carbon sequestration of Additional income generation through technical support and guidance on putting bamboo forests is not likely to influence the bamboo carbon offsets is clearly a potential the ideas into practice. mitigation of global warming as much as rural development innovation. Carbon In Ecuador, INBAR will build 500 elevated some protagonists have been arguing, the financing has a clear upside potential to lift houses that should be resistant to flooding importance of bamboo forests and farmers out of poverty, especially in as water flows underneath them. "With the plantations for an environmentally friendly northwest Viet Nam. A PES is perceived as a funds we will provide an innovative and sustainable production of food, fibre potential mechanism to construct a system technology to improve the design, durability and energy, and their environmental for accruing bamboo-related carbon income and resistance of houses traditionally built services, including soil stability and and distribute it to alleviate rural poverty. with bamboo in the area of Guayaquil," wastewater management, important for Any such project will have to Álvaro Cabrera, regional coordinator of adaption to climate change, are accommodate specific financing needs in INBAR for Latin America and the Caribbean, undisputed. order to run the PES scheme and meet the told SciDev.Net. For example, roofs will be payouts that are agreed with farmers. The built from resin and bamboo instead of zinc, FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: carbon credits sales strategy will be geared and concrete stilts will be used to extend the Prof. em. Dr Walter Liese, Department towards replenishing a PES fund. The fund life of the houses from the current three to of Wood Biology, University of Hamburg, could also function as a mechanism to five years to around 30 years. (Source: Leuschnerstr. 91, 21031 Hamburg, Germany. balance liabilities among farmers. SciDev.Net, 2 December 2009.) E-mail: [email protected] It will need to be decided how farmers will be rewarded for compliance with the Bamboo as carbon sink – fact or fiction? commitments they assume in establishing Bamboo is often considered as a plant with and tending bamboo plantations. For an extraordinary potential for carbon instance, there could be constant payouts sequestration and therefore for mitigating on a per area unit basis or payouts could be climatic change. A recent paper by Prof. tied to actual carbon removals achieved in Liese presented at the VIII World Bamboo individual plantations. It will also be Congress (see page 66 for more necessary to set aside a fraction of income information) argues that bamboo is not in order to cover non-complying farmers. likely to be significantly better than trees, FAO can take leadership in alleviating and that much more research is needed to supply-side constraints, developing carbon establish the true potential of bamboo for financing and marketing competencies, carbon sequestration. and supporting knowledge and technology For example, the assumption of transfer to work for the rural poor around bamboo’s high sequestration potential is bamboo forests. FAO’s role is critical in derived mainly from the fast growth of the creating a carbon trade platform, and individual culm during its expansion phase. leading the deployment of PES. However, the impressive biomass of such a (Contributed by: Mr Jukka Tissari, Forestry young culm does not originate from its own Officer [Forest Products Trade and photosynthesis, but derives from the Marketing], Forest Products and Industries energy produced by older culms in previous Team, Forest Economics, Policy and years and stored as carbohydrates in their Products Division, FAO Forestry culms and rhizome system. At the Department. Fax: +39-06-570 55137; e- beginning of the growth season this energy mail: [email protected]) will be mobilized and transported to the growing culm. We have not yet reached the goal but … Bamboo huts on stilts win climate award The individual culm has a limited we shall soon, with the help of God, be Building flood-resistant, elevated bamboo lifetime of seven to ten years, and in sight of the day when poverty shall be houses in Ecuador, and exchanging climate thereafter its biomass and the carbon banished from this nation. information via “interactive” radio in contained will be deteriorated biologically Herbert Clark Hoover

Nigeria, are among the ideas that have won into its origins, among them also CO2, funding in a competition for developing released into the atmosphere.

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As Garrity notes, the tree can thrive in a experience in adapting to past changes that wide range of conditions and is suitable for could benefit other communities. “Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) planting across the continent. He says the consist of goods of biological origin lack of knowledge about the acacia highlights FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: other than wood, derived from forests, a need for research agencies to find more AfricaAdapt Secretariat, c/o Institute of other wooded land and trees outside effective ways to reach farmers. Governments Development Studies at the University of Sussex, forests.” must also invest in generating and Brighton BN1 9RE, United Kingdom. E-mail: «Les produits forestiers non ligneux communicating research, he adds. [email protected] sont des biens d’origine biologique Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari autres que le bois, dérivés des forêts, Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement des autres terres boisées, et des arbres in Kenya, says that the lack of extension ARE NTFPS A WAY hors forêts.» services that tap into agroforestry science %OUT OF POVERTY? «Productos forestales no madereros from research institutions and universities son los bienes de origen biológico and then pass information to smallholders is Over the last 30 years, policy-makers and distintos de la madera derivados de los a great disservice to the quest for food conservation NGOs have focused on the bosques, de otras tierras boscosas y de security in Africa. There is a pressing need to sustainable production and los árboles fuera de los bosques.» communicate research findings to farmers in commercialization of NTFPs. Is this a way (FAO’s working definition) languages they can understand, Maathai says. forward in tropical forested areas for (Source: AllAfrica.com, 27 August 2009.) successful conservation and rural development? Development strategies try to include local people in the management and governance ACACIA TREE CAN of natural resources such as forests, so that % BOOST CROPS they receive more of the benefits. This ACROSS AFRICA contrasts with preservationist environmental policies, which excluded people from forests. Nairobi. African farmers could triple yields by Strategies that support the collection and planting a type of acacia tree that sheds its commercialization of NTFPs by local people nitrogen-rich leaves in time for the growing have the potential to provide an increased season alongside their crops. source of income for people living in or near The fast-growing, hardy species, forests. Faidherbia albida, which has common names NTFPs also have important subsistence including apple-ring acacia and ana tree, also AFRICAADAPT uses, for example by providing a “free” has a wide range of other benefits, according LAUNCHES NEW source of food, medicines, fuel and to Dennis Garrity, Director General of the %FUND FOR INNOVATIVE construction materials. And, if properly World Agroforestry Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. KNOWLEDGE SHARING managed, NTFPs can be an incentive for "Besides organic fertilizer and livestock forest communities to protect existing forests fodder for farmers, it also acts as a Africa’s poor and vulnerable communities and restore degraded areas, to ensure their windbreak, provides wood for fuel and rarely have the opportunity to share their source of income is sustainable. construction and cuts erosion by loosening valuable experience and learn from others However, forests are being cleared as the the soil to absorb water during the rainy in broader or more formal exchanges of global demand for timber rises and as season," he said at the 2nd World Congress of knowledge on climate change adaptation. ranching and large-scale agricultural Agroforestry in Nairobi this week (24 August). AfricaAdapt is launching its new activities expand. Many species fundamental "The tree becomes dormant and sheds its Knowledge Sharing Innovation Fund to forest livelihoods are vulnerable and forest leaves during the early rainy season at the promoting new ways of sharing knowledge resources are declining. time when seeds need fertilizer and regrows that can help address this problem. This has alarming consequences for them at the beginning of the dry season, so The Fund will offer grants of up to subsistence use and local trade. For not competing with crops for light," Garrity US$10 000 to projects that seek to example, between 1970 and 1990, the told SciDev.Net. Planting the trees can nearly overcome barriers to share knowledge with number of species extracted by the timber triple yields, he says. In Malawi, maize yields “hard to reach” or marginalized African industry in the eastern Brazilian Amazonia under the acacia canopy are 280 percent communities. These barriers may be related rose from fewer than 20 to over 300. At least higher than outside it. to language, access to information and one-third of the 300 also had value for local The acacia variety is already grown on marginalization through gender or disability. people as food, medicine or fuel. farms in western Africa, as well as in Ethiopia, Ensuring that vulnerable communities While dramatic landscape change takes Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania. are active in the exchange of African place across many developing countries, the But uptake has been minimal in other parts of knowledge, best practices and expertise on sustainable production of many NTFPs is Africa. Despite 60 years of research and more climate change adaptation is a high priority under threat. Policy-makers and than 700 scientific publications on F. albida, for AfricaAdapt. These communities are the development practitioners need a better few farmers – especially in parts of eastern most directly threatened by climatic understanding of the changing role of forest and Central Africa – know of its potential. impacts yet they also have a wealth of resources for local livelihoods.

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