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The Value of Forests to World Food Security

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Abstract

We assembled information on the contribution and value of forests to world food security. An assessment was made of the role of forests and non-timber products in the food system of developing countries. We estimated that upwards of 300 million people annually earn part or all of their livelihood and food from forests. A total of about $90 billion in non-timber products are harvested each year. Forests also help to protect land, water, and biological resources, and they play an important role in maintaining the productivity of agricultural and environmental systems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Entomology/Ecology & Systematics, Cornell University, Comstock Hall, Ithaca, New York, 14853-0901

    David Pimentel & Jeremy Kamil

  2. Agricultural Economics, Cornell University, Comstock Hall, Ithaca, New York, 14853-0901

    Michael McNair

  3. Natural Resources, Cornell University, Fernow Hall, Ithaca, New York, 14853-0901

    Louise Buck

  4. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Comstock Hall, Ithaca, New York, 14853-0901

    Marcia Pimentel

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Pimentel, D., McNair, M., Buck, L. et al. The Value of Forests to World Food Security. Human Ecology 25, 91–120 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021987920278

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