Thimna MatikaAccording to the United Nations, forests are a vital source of energy, providing wood for cooking, playing a key role in agriculture by hosting pollinators, and acting in soil enrichment, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation. It should be noted that we lose 10 million hectares of forest annually through deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares through fire.
It is therefore critical to understand the impact of forests on our people, animals, birds, and biodiversity, food security, nutrition, and livelihoods of millions of families. As we celebrate International Forest Day this Friday, 21 March 2025, actively join the theme and cause “Forests and Food” of this year’s International Forest Day by creating your own little food forest in your backyard.
Read more: Benefits of a food forest
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How to create a home food forest
If you have a home garden and lawn, it could be worthwhile laying out a food forest in your backyard. This is done by diversifying crops in your home with your preferred fruits and vegetables. Start by growing the fruits and vegetables that you regularly eat in your diet and home-cooked meals. This can reduce your expenditure on those items. Also, sow fruits and vegetables that are easy to grow. Incorporate bush fruit trees like gooseberries and blueberries; and shade-providing fruit trees like currant, stone fruit, and pomegranate trees.
Forests are essential for sustaining life, and providing food, energy, and biodiversity while regulating the climate. However, with deforestation and wildfires threatening millions of hectares annually, it is imperative to take action in preserving and replenishing these natural resources.
By cultivating a food forest in your backyard, you contribute to a greener planet while enhancing your own food security. This International Forest Day, let’s honour the theme “Forests and Food” by embracing sustainable practices that nourish both the environment and our communities, one home-grown fruit and vegetable at a time.
ALSO SEE: HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN FOOD FOREST
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