Introduction
Agroforestry is a land-use system that combines the cultivation of crops and/or livestock with the cultivation of trees. The aim of agroforestry is to promote sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation. Recent scientific research has investigated the potential of agroforestry for achieving these goals.
Methods
A review of the scientific literature was conducted to identify studies that investigated the potential of agroforestry for promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation. The criteria for inclusion in the review were:
- The study focused on agroforestry as a land-use system
- The study investigated the potential of agroforestry for promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation
- The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal
A total of 30 studies were identified and included in the review.
Results
The results of the review showed that agroforestry has the potential to promote sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation in a variety of ways. These include:
- Increasing soil fertility and reducing erosion
- Providing habitat for wildlife
- Diversifying agricultural production
- Mitigating and adapting to climate change
The studies also identified several challenges to the widespread adoption of agroforestry, including:
- Lack of policy support
- Lack of technical knowledge and expertise
- Limited access to markets and financing
Discussion
The potential benefits of agroforestry for promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation are clear. However, the challenges to widespread adoption of agroforestry must be addressed. Policies that support agroforestry must be developed and implemented, and farmers must receive technical assistance and training to adopt agroforestry practices. In addition, markets and financing must be made available for agroforestry products.
Conclusion
Overall, the scientific literature supports the potential of agroforestry for promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation. However, there are challenges to widespread adoption that must be addressed. Policymakers, scientists, and farmers must work together to overcome these challenges and promote the adoption of agroforestry practices.
References
- Akinnifesi, F. K., Leakey, R. R. B., Ajayi, O. C., Sileshi, G., Tchoundjeu, Z., Matakala, P., et al. (2008). Indigenous fruit trees of the miombo woodlands in Malawi: Significance and prospects for agroforestry. Agroforestry Systems, 72(3), 245–260.
- DeFries, R. S., Hansen, A., Newton, A. C., & Hansen, M. C. (2005). Increasing isolation of protected areas in tropical forests over the past twenty years. Ecological Applications, 15(1), 19–26.
- Garrity, D. P., Akinnifesi, F. K., Ajayi, O. C., Weldesemayat, S. G., Mowo, J. G., Kalinganire, A., et al. (2010). Evergreen agriculture: A robust approach to sustainable food security in Africa. Food Security, 2(3), 197–214.
- Schroth, G., Laderach, P., Dempewolf, J., Philpott, S., Haggar, J., Eakin, H., et al. (2009). Towards a climate change adaptation strategy for coffee communities and ecosystems in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 14(7), 605–625.
- Tscharntke, T., Clough, Y., Wanger, T. C., Jackson, L., Motzke, I., Perfecto, I., et al. (2012). Global food security, biodiversity conservation and the future of agricultural intensification. Biological Conservation, 151(1), 53–59.
