Forests play a crucial role in the sustainability of global agrifood systems, providing essential resources and biodiversity to communities around the world. However, the alarming rate of deforestation and land degradation poses a significant threat to food security.
Between 2015 and 2020, more than 10 million hectares of forest were lost every year, which is an area roughly the size of the Republic of Korea. This loss continues to worsen the challenges posed by climate change and population growth. This year, as we mark International Day of Forests on March 21, 2025, with the theme “Forests and Foods,” it is vital to address how to maintain food security while preserving these essential ecosystems.
Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, emphasizes that a significant driver of deforestation is meeting the demands of a growing population. Solutions combining agriculture and forest management are non-negotiable for a sustainable future.
Efforts such as the FAO’s “Action Against Desertification” program demonstrate that integrating agricultural practices with traditional knowledge can enhance food security. This initiative has gained traction in Africa’s Sahel region, where local communities are focused on restoring degraded land while ensuring that wild food species rich in micronutrients are cultivated.
Additionally, Colombia is seeing success through a new community forest management model that emphasizes indigenous and local governance in preserving forests and agriculture. Indigenous peoples manage 53 percent of land and forests in Colombia, showing the effectiveness of their integration in sustainability efforts.
In Vanuatu, innovative agricultural practices are being implemented to improve traditional water gardens by introducing sustainable water and forest management methods that have led to increased water availability. Farmers can produce essential crops like taro while conserving valuable resources.
Tunisian farmers are benefiting from a project that introduces native legume reseeding as a means of restoring degraded landscapes. This initiative has resulted in decreased livestock feeding costs, evidencing the financial advantages of integrating diverse agricultural methods.
Forests are invaluable because they provide habitats for pollinators, safeguard terrestrial biodiversity, and play a critical role in regulating climate and water supply. They serve as vital resources for rural communities, offering a wealth of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and protein sources during crises. Thus, forests act as an emergency buffer for food security.
Agroforestry, a practice that incorporates trees into farming, is essential for enriching agricultural output and increasing resilience. The approach demands urgent policy change that acknowledges forests' role in promoting better food security and diversity.
Qu Dongyu stresses, “Forests are key to making global agrifood systems more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.” The integration of these ideas underpins the broader strategies toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including ending hunger, alleviating poverty, and restoring ecosystems.
In parallel, Morocco has experienced notable rainfall as of March this year, with recorded precipitation surpassing last year’s figures. Mustapha Baitas, Morocco’s government spokesperson, noted an increase of 113.9 mm in rainfall between September 2024 and March 19, 2025. Although this still falls short of the national annual average, it represents an 88.1% increase from last year's total of 60 mm.
Following the rainy season beginning in late February — which saw precipitation levels exceed 130% of the average — many farmers are optimistic. With forecasts suggesting enhanced productivity for the upcoming season, it signifies a much-needed relief for farmers struggling with increased irrigation and rising costs of feed for livestock.
Total water inflows, estimated at 2,981 million cubic meters this period, exhibit a 57.5% increase compared to the previous year, though it remains 60.5% below the expected annual total of 7,543 million cubic meters. The better water levels in dams are already improving from 27% to 36% capacity, reflecting a significant boost in water reserves for the country.
Baitas highlighted the positive implications for agriculture, particularly for fruit trees, stating that this increase in rain reduces the need for intensive irrigation systems, thus lowering energy costs for farmers. The country’s optimistic rainfall forecasts may herald a turnaround for Morocco’s agricultural landscape.
The improvement in Morocco’s water situation shows how essential rain is for food security and agricultural resilience against climate change. The combined strategies of better managing forests worldwide and navigating water resources properly could be pivotal for achieving sustainable agrifood systems.
To move forward, it is essential to adopt policies that form a symbiotic relationship between agriculture and forestry while fostering community participation. Without this alignment, the daunting challenges posed by climate change and increased population will continue to threaten global food security.
