Australian desert acacia species have become an important plant in areas of Africa such as northern Ethiopia and the Sub-Sahara region. Various acacia species are being used in the fight against poverty and desertification.stry projects in third world countries using volunteer professional forest and agricultural scientists.

• There are approximately 50 dry zone species used as food by Aborigines;
• Select acacia seeds are high in protein, fibre and a range of vitamins (CSIRO);
• Acacia seed can be stored over many years;
• As a 25% mix with traditional grains like millet, there are massive benefits in nutrition and taste; 
• Acacias are a legume, able to extract nitrogen from the atmosphere and therefore grow rapidly in low nutrient environments;
• Some species of acacia provide valuable fodder for livestock;
• Many species of acacia have excellent firewood and charcoal properties; and
• Some species are suitable for building purposes.
  
  

Australian Eucalypts in third world countries

Eucalypts have been planted widely for commercial use around the world including countries like Brazil and other South American countries, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. Eucalypts are used extensively for fuel and construction and are an important component of third world economies. Foliage of some species yields essential oils for medicines and perfumes. Tannins are extracted from the bark of certain species.

In Vietnam, and other third world countries that have tropical climates, a range of Eucalyptus species are being grown for furniture, fuel wood, posts and poles. These include species like River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Red Mahogany (Eucalyptus pellita) as well as a range of tropical acacia species.

In drier climates, counties like Niger in central west Africa have successfully grown river red gum along many lower lying areas and seasonal riverbeds. In east Africa, countries like Ethiopia have successfully introduced blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and river red gum throughout the highland areas. The timber from these species is important for posts, poles and firewood.