As we commemorate the 2025 International Day of Forests under the theme “Forests and Food,” it is crucial to reflect on sustainable forest management practices that enhance food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. One such practice, the Modified Taungya System (MTS) in Ghana, presents a unique and innovative model for balancing reforestation efforts with agricultural productivity and economic empowerment.

The Modified Taungya System is an agroforestry practice that allows farmers to cultivate crops while assisting in the establishment of forest plantations. This approach, implemented in Ghana by the Ghana Forestry Commission, provides farmers access to land in degraded forest reserves for food production while ensuring afforestation and reforestation efforts remain effective. Unlike the traditional Taungya system, where farmers had limited rights to the land and its benefits, the modified version grants them a share in the proceeds from timber sales, fostering long-term economic incentives.

Enhancing Food Security through MTS

Food security remains a major concern in many urban and peri-urban areas of Ghana, where land for agriculture is limited. The MTS provides an avenue for farmers to grow food crops such as maize, cocoyam, plantain, and vegetables between the young trees. These intercropped species thrive under the semi-shaded environment of tree plantations, increasing agricultural output and ensuring a stable food supply for farming communities as well as most urban and peri-urban areas.

Additionally, this system reduces the pressure on virgin forests, which are often cleared for agricultural expansion especially in the cocoa belt where land has become scarce. By integrating food production with afforestation, the MTS promotes sustainable land use, ensuring that forest ecosystems are preserved while communities meet their food needs and improve household incomes as well as reduce food insecurity and seasonal hunger. The additional income from the sale of the food crops has enabled some of the farmers to pay the school fees of their children as well as build their own houses and take care of other household expenses. Female participants in particular, have now become empowered to help their husbands with household expenditure as has been the case with the women supported through the MTS approach under the Environmentally Sustainable Production Practices in Cocoa Landscapes project being implemented by the UNDP Ghana country office. 

Improving Nutrition Outcomes 

Nutrition security is closely linked to dietary diversity. The MTS encourages the cultivation of a variety of crops, providing households with access to nutrient-rich foods. Leguminous crops, vegetables, and cereals grown within forest plantations contribute essential vitamins and minerals to local diets, reducing malnutrition risks, especially among children and women.

Moreover, the presence of trees within the system contributes to soil fertility improvement, leading to higher crop yields and improved food quality. Some tree species, such as moringa and fruit-bearing trees, also provide direct nutritional benefits. The integration of beekeeping within forest plantations further enhances nutrition by providing honey, a valuable source of energy and medicinal properties.

Strengthening Livelihoods and Economic Resilience

One of the most significant advantages of the MTS is its potential to improve rural livelihoods. Farmers participating in the system receive both short-term benefits from crop production, and long-term financial gains from timber sales. Under the agreement, farmers gain a share of the revenue generated from harvested trees, offering them a reliable source of income.

The MTS further promotes employment opportunities beyond farming. Activities such as tree nursery establishment, planting, and maintenance provide jobs for local communities, empowering youth and reducing rural unemployment. Additionally, small-scale enterprises such as honey production, mushroom farming, and medicinal plant cultivation can thrive within the modified Taungya landscape, diversifying income streams for farmers.

Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability

With increasing climate variability, agroforestry systems like the MTS offer a sustainable solution in adapting to the impacts of climate change. The trees planted in this system help sequester carbon, improve soil structure, and conserve water, making agricultural lands more resilient to droughts and extreme weather conditions.

Furthermore, the biodiversity within MTS plots supports pollinators and beneficial insects, reducing the need for chemical inputs and promoting ecosystem health. By integrating sustainable forest management with food production, the MTS contributes to long-term environmental conservation, climate resilience, and food security.

To maximize the benefits of the Modified Taungya System (MTS), policymakers and stakeholders should focus on strengthening farmer capacity by providing training on best agroforestry practices, climate-smart agriculture, and market access to empower farmers. Enhancing land access and benefit-sharing arrangements is also crucial, as clear land rights and equitable distribution of benefits will encourage farmer participation and investment in sustainable forestry. 

Additionally, supporting research and innovation through investments in improved tree-crop combinations and soil management techniques will enhance productivity and ensure targeted approaches based on geographical, socio-cultural, and tenure-specific conditions. Promoting value addition by encouraging processing industries for timber, non-timber forest products, and agroforestry crops will create new income opportunities for farmers. 

Finally, expanding MTS coverage across Ghana’s forest zones will further strengthen food security, nutrition, and economic resilience.

As we celebrate the 2025 International Day of Forests, the Modified Taungya System stands as a shining example of how innovation in forest management can drive sustainable development. By nurturing this system, Ghana can secure a greener future while ensuring abundance of food.