Farmers planting trees 'could save rainforests'

Farmers have been urged to plant trees in a bid to absorb carbon dioxide emitted by local industries.

A report published by the World Agroforestry Centre in Nairobi said that if farmers planted trees they could help fight deforestation and make economic gains in the bargain.

"If planted systematically on farms, trees could improve the resiliency of farmers by providing them with food and income," said Tony Simons, deputy director-general of the World Agroforestry Centre.

"When crops and livestock fail, trees often withstand drought conditions and allow people to hold over until the next season."

A debate over farmers in the Brazilian rainforests' commitment to the environment has arisen this month, after Greenpeace issued a report saying swathes of the Amazon were being cleared for cattle herding.

The Brazilian government dismissed the claims, urging European customers to continue buying beef reared on Brazilian farms.

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