Originating from Southeast Asia, the breadfruit tree yields large, potato-like fruits suitable for various culinary uses, offering a dependable food source for regions facing poverty and food insecurity. Recent studies suggest that climate change and rising temperatures may expand the geographical range of breadfruit, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Small organizations are promoting the global cultivation of breadfruit trees, advocating for their integration with other crops in agroforestry systems. This approach not only enhances food security but also bolsters the resilience of these ecosystems against climate change.
Marisol Villalobos, a farmer in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, has developed a daily ritual with her breadfruit trees. Each morning, she visits her mountainous groves, soaking in the aroma of flowers, fallen leaves, and maturing fruit, while listening to the local birds. She reflects on the significance of breadfruit, locally known as ‘pana’ – a term also denoting a close friend.
Breadfruit is emerging as a beneficial ally for both Villalobos and potentially humanity. It’s a versatile food source, a potential protector of biodiversity, and a possible weapon against various aspects of the climate crisis. The fruit, which is starchy and nutritious, offers a stable crop for farmers with minimal maintenance needs once matured. Recent research predicts that the suitable range for breadfruit cultivation will expand with climate change, especially in areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, where food insecurity is a significant concern.
Lucy Yang, an environmental scientist and co-author of a relevant study, notes that while staple crops like rice, corn, and wheat are vulnerable to climate change, breadfruit stands out for its nutritional value and potential role in biodiversity. It’s seen as a crucial solution for food-insecure regions near the equator.
In culinary circles, breadfruit is gaining popularity due to its versatility. It can be cooked in various ways and accompanies different dishes. Advocates are encouraging the planting of breadfruit trees in agroforestry plots alongside other crops. This mixed cropping system, which can include mango, avocado, coconut palms, plantains, bananas, and undergrowth crops like coffee, cocoa, and turmeric, enhances water retention and provides shade. Such diversity in crops ensures food security and additional income sources, while also creating a habitat for various wildlife species.
Agroforestry systems, resembling natural woodlands more than monoculture fields, don’t require additional fertilizers and tend to need fewer pesticides. These systems also capture significant amounts of carbon in the soil. The Breadfruit Institute, among other organizations, is actively distributing breadfruit saplings worldwide, aiming to address food insecurity and reliance on imported food in places like the Pacific Islands and Hawai’i.
In Puerto Rico, Villalobos processes breadfruit into gluten-free flour, collaborating with the Trees That Feed Foundation to promote its use. This initiative aims to create a market for breadfruit products, aligning with efforts to adapt to
and mitigate climate change impacts. As climate change intensifies, the shade provided by breadfruit agroforests offers safer working conditions than open fields. The resilience of breadfruit trees, as evidenced after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, highlights their potential as a sustainable food source in the face of extreme weather events.
However, the future climate presents both opportunities and challenges for breadfruit cultivation. A study anticipates a slight decrease in breadfruit suitability in Latin America and the Caribbean, although this varies by location and specific conditions. Nyree Zerega, co-author of the study, emphasizes focusing on general trends rather than exact numbers, suggesting the need for more localized research.
The introduction of breadfruit into new environments should be considered carefully, taking into account ethical and ecological factors. While breadfruit is unlikely to become invasive due to its seedless nature and human-dependent propagation, its integration into non-native ecosystems requires thoughtful planning. Breadfruit can contribute to diversifying and improving global food systems, but it should be viewed as part of a broader strategy to enhance food security and environmental sustainability.