Restoring indigenous trees can help combat malnutrition in Africa

Citation

Vansant E, den Braber B, Hall C, Kamoto J, Lupafya E, McMullin S, Muskambo S, Swirah R, Mkunkha L & Rasmussen LV (2026) Restoring indigenous trees can help combat malnutrition in Africa. Vansant E (Editor), den Braber B (Editor), Hall C (Editor) & Rasmussen LV (Editor) PNAS Nexus, 5 (6). https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgag156

Abstract
Across African countries and contexts, there is robust evidence of how forests and trees can support people's diets. In particular, indigenous food trees are an important source of micronutrient-rich fruits, leaves, nuts, and seeds. Yet in large-scale landscape restoration projects, these species are often overlooked in favor of exotic, fast-growing tree species—limiting the potential of restoration initiatives to co-address biodiversity loss and malnutrition. With local practitioners in Malawi, we explore challenges to and opportunities for better integration of indigenous food trees in landscape restoration projects. We argue that scientists, policymakers, and restoration practitioners should focus on three primary domains for greater knowledge management and capacity building: (i) tree propagation, (ii) improving seedling survival rates, and (iii) value chain development for tree-based foods. Targeted support for incorporating indigenous food trees in these areas can help promote synergies between human and ecological health in natural resource management agendas.

Keywords
landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, nutrition, food security, planetary health

Journal
PNAS Nexus: Volume 5, Issue 6

• Restoring indigenous trees can help combat malnutrition in Africa