Forests provide food security and safety nets in times of need or crisis.
- Forests act as a safety net for farmers during seasonal food gaps. Forests can provide food security for households between harvests, or in times of drought, flooding, crop failure and other types of emergency.
- Many HIV/AIDS-affected households in Africa have turned to forests to provide them with the extra food sources and traditional medicine they need. Local forest products and wild foods, including fruits, nuts, leafy vegetables and bushmeat, provide food security and nutrition for children and family members who are unable to work.
