Why Fruit Trees

Why local communities will take up the fruit tree planting initiative

1. Monetary benefit

   
   Economics like so many places in the world is one of the biggest motivators. The food and cash crop provided by fruit will ensure the locals take care of the trees. The ongoing benefit of the trees will also mean productive trees are not chopped down for firewood.An additional source of income also has the potential to give greater security about having food to eat and an opportunity to have money to do things such as provide further education for children, or be involved more in their own enterprises instead of working for minimum wages elsewhere.
   

2. Nutritional benefit

   
   In Poor areas many families cannot afford fruit; this will improve nutrition for children and adults alike.
   

3. Utilise fallow land

   
   Utilise land that is not being used and beautify the area, making it a more enjoyable place to live. Often in villages, land that is too far away from homes to tend to easily, or on hillsides, will not be used for agriculture and will lie fallow. Fruit trees generally do not require as much year round attention as vegetables and grain crops. This project will enable unused land to be planted with trees.
   

4. Improve air quality and soak up Carbon Dioxide

   
   Growing fruit trees soaks up Carbon dioxide. On a local level in regions close to cities and towns where wood is burned for cooking and heat, air pollution is an issue and locals recognise the beauty of clearer air. Planting trees will also protect topsoil and should reduce dust, improving air quality. With tourism playing such an important role in Nepal’s economy almost every family knows someone connected to tourism and is aware the adverse impact melting snow caps can have on the livelihood of friends and relatives.
   

5. Raise the standard of living and give alternative choices to use of energy sources.
   
   By raising income levels, families will have a greater choice over their fuel source for cooking and heating, potentially being able to afford gas, or solar energy. So rather than spending the time collecting and burning wood they can use alternative fuel sources. This will also help in relation to reducing CO2 emissions.