Multipurpose trees on farms can improve nutrition in Malawi

Abstract

Agricultural intensification can lead to simplified landscapes and simplified diets, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Trees on farms offer promising co-benefits for the environment and human health, with the potential to improve diets via providing food, income, and/or fuelwood. In this study, we measure how using trees on farms can support women’s diets in rural Malawi. We find that using trees on farms to source food is positively associated with women’s dietary quality in both dry and wet seasons. While we do not find any consistent additional benefits from using trees on farms for fuelwood or income, we find that multipurpose trees on farms—providing food, income, and fuel—can support diets while offering other livelihood benefits. This study therefore helps evidence multipurpose trees on farms as a viable pathway for addressing malnutrition in rural communities.