Background:

The latest news on hunger is alarming. In 2023, about 733 million people faced hunger globally, which is one in eleven people worldwide and one in five in Africa. This number has been steadily increasing since 2019, with 122 million more people pushed into hunger due to various factors such as conflict, climate change, and economic downturns.

Key Hunger Statistics:

• Global Hunger Rate: 1 in 11 people worldwide face hunger
• Africa Hunger Rate: 1 in 5 people in Africa face hunger
• Increase in Hunger: 122 million more people pushed into hunger since 2019

The situation is particularly dire in Africa, where 20.4% of the population faces hunger, and in Western Asia, the Caribbean, and most African subregions, where hunger levels have increased ¹. The world is falling significantly short of achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, Zero Hunger, by 2030.

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 report ranks India 105th out of 127 countries, categorizing its hunger level as "serious" . This ranking is based on factors like undernourishment and child mortality indicators. Specifically, 13.7% of India's population is undernourished, 35.5% of children under five are stunted, and 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday .

Globally, the situation isn't much better. The United Nations reports that about 735 million people, or 9.2% of the world's population, faced chronic hunger in 2022. This number has been increasing since 2015, mainly due to conflict, climate change, and economic downturns.

To tackle this issue, the UN emphasizes the need for sustainable agriculture practices, reduced food waste, and support for small-scale food producers. In India, initiatives like the "Grain ATM" in Odisha aim to provide 24/7 access to grains for those in need.

Key Hunger Statistics:

• India's GHI Score: 27.3
• Undernourished Population: 13.7%
• Stunted Children Under 5: 35.5%
• Child Mortality Rate: 2.9%
• Global Hunger Rate: 9.2%

Introduction:

The global food system faces unprecedented challenges, including population growth, climate change, and resource depletion. To ensure food security for future generations, we must adopt sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. Agroforestry, a farming system that integrates trees with crops and or livestock, offers a promising solution. By combining the benefits of agriculture and forestry, agroforestry can contribute to environmental conservation, economic development, and social well-being.

This article explores the various dimensions of agroforestry, highlighting its potential to address the pressing challenges of our time.

Dimensions of Agroforestry:

1. Environmental Dimension

• Biodiversity Conservation

Agroforestry systems are renowned for their ability to promote biodiversity. The presence of trees in agricultural landscapes provides habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, enhancing ecosystem resilience. Trees offer shade and shelter for pollinators, beneficial insects, and birds, contributing to the overall health of the agroecosystem. Moreover, agroforestry practices can help to restore degraded ecosystems and prevent habitat fragmentation.

• Soil Health

Trees play a crucial role in improving soil health. Their roots penetrate deep into the soil, enhancing its structure and aeration. Additionally, trees contribute to nutrient cycling by shedding leaves and other organic matter, which decomposes and enriches the soil. This organic matter also helps to improve soil moisture retention, reducing the risk of erosion and nutrient leaching.

• Carbon Sequestration

Agroforestry systems are effective in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store it in their biomass and soils. By incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes, we can help to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Water Management

Trees play a vital role in regulating hydrological cycles. Their roots help to absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and preventing soil erosion. Additionally, trees can help to improve water quality by filtering pollutants and reducing nutrient leaching. In regions with limited water resources, agroforestry practices can enhance water availability for both crops and livestock.

2. Economic Dimension

• Increased Yields

Integrating trees with crops can lead to higher yields and improved economic returns. Trees provide shade, wind protection, and nitrogen fixation, which can benefit crop growth. Moreover, agroforestry systems often offer multiple sources of income, including timber, fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants. This diversification can help to reduce the risk of crop failure and ensure a stable income for farmers.

• Economic Resilience

Agroforestry systems are more resilient to economic shocks than monoculture farming. By diversifying their production, farmers can reduce their reliance on a single commodity and protect themselves from market fluctuations. Additionally, agroforestry can provide a safety net during times of crop failure or economic hardship.

• Employment Opportunities

Agroforestry creates employment opportunities in various sectors, including tree planting, maintenance, harvesting, processing, and marketing. This can contribute to rural development and poverty reduction, particularly in regions with limited economic opportunities.

3. Social Dimension

• Food Security

Agroforestry can enhance food security by providing a diverse range of crops and animal products. The integration of trees with crops can improve soil fertility and water retention, leading to higher yields and greater food availability. Moreover, agroforestry systems can help to reduce food insecurity by providing a safety net during times of crop failure or economic hardship.

• Rural Development

Agroforestry can contribute to rural development by promoting sustainable livelihoods and improving the quality of life for rural communities. By providing economic opportunities and enhancing food security, agroforestry can help to reduce poverty and inequality. Additionally, agroforestry can strengthen social cohesion and community resilience.

• Cultural Relevance

In many regions, agroforestry aligns with traditional farming practices, making it more acceptable to local farmers. By incorporating traditional knowledge and practices, agroforestry can help to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable development.

4. Technological Dimension

• Innovative Practices

Agroforestry incorporates a variety of innovative practices, including intercropping, agrosilviculture, and precision agriculture. Intercropping involves planting multiple crops together, maximizing land use and promoting biodiversity. Agro-silviculture combines forestry with agriculture, integrating trees with crops or livestock. Precision agriculture utilizes advanced technologies to optimize agricultural practices and improve resource efficiency.

• Sustainable Intensification

Agroforestry offers a sustainable approach to intensification, increasing agricultural production without degrading natural resources. By optimizing land use and improving resource efficiency, agroforestry can help to meet the growing demand for food while protecting the environment.

5. Policy and Institutional Dimension

• Government Support

Government support is essential for the widespread adoption of agroforestry. Policies promoting agroforestry through subsidies, training, and land tenure reforms can incentivize farmers to adopt this sustainable practice. Additionally, governments can invest in research and development to improve agroforestry technologies and practices.

• International Frameworks

Agroforestry contributes to global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to food security, environmental sustainability, and poverty reduction. International frameworks can provide guidance and support for the implementation of agroforestry practices at a global scale.

• Extension Services and Education

Institutions play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and providing technical support to farmers. Extension services can help farmers to learn about agroforestry practices, access resources, and solve problems. Educational programs can raise awareness about the benefits of agroforestry and equip farmers with the skills needed to implement this sustainable approach.

6. Climate Adaptation Dimension

• Resilience to Climate Change

Agroforestry systems are more resilient to climate change than monoculture farming. Trees can help to protect crops from extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. Additionally, agroforestry can improve soil health and water retention, enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems to climate variability.

• Adaptive Capacity

Agroforestry provides farmers with the adaptive capacity to respond to changing climatic conditions. By diversifying their crops and income sources, farmers can reduce their vulnerability to climate-related risks. Moreover, agroforestry practices can help to conserve genetic resources, which are essential for adaptation to future climate challenges.

Moreover,agroforestry offers a holistic and sustainable solution to the challenges facing global food security. By integrating trees with crops and livestock, agroforestry can contribute to environmental conservation, economic development, and social well-being. This article has explored the various dimensions of agroforestry, highlighting its potential to address the pressing challenges of our time. As we strive to build a more sustainable and resilient food system, agroforestry should be a key component of our efforts.

• Components of Agroforestry:

Agroforestry is a land-use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland. It integrates agricultural and forestry techniques to create more sustainable land-use systems. Agroforestry systems have multiple components, which can be classified into several types based on the arrangement and interactions of trees, crops, and animals.

1) Trees or Woody Perennials:

• Timber Trees: Grown for wood production.
• Fruit Trees: Provide edible fruits.
• Fodder Trees: Used for livestock feed.
• Fuelwood: Used for energy production.

2) Crops:

• Staple Crops: Grains, vegetables, and other food crops.
• Forage Crops: Grown for animal grazing.
• Cash Crops: Grown for sale, like coffee, tea, and cocoa.

3) Animals:

Livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, poultry) raised for milk, meat, or wool.

Classification of Agroforestry Systems:

Agroforestry systems can be classified based on the nature of the components, their arrangement, and the specific objectives of the system. The most common classifications are:

1. Based on Function or Purpose:

• Productive Agroforestry: Aimed at increasing yields of food, fodder, or wood (e.g., timber, fruit orchards).
• Protective Agroforestry: Focuses on conservation, such as preventing soil erosion, improving biodiversity, or sequestering carbon.
• Agro-silviculture: Combining crops with tree species for mutual benefit.
• Agro-silvo-pastoral Systems: Integrating trees, crops, and livestock in the same system.

2. Based on Structure or Arrangement:

• Alley Cropping: Trees are planted in rows with crops grown in the spaces between rows (alleys). Windbreaks and Shelterbelts: Trees or shrubs planted to protect crops or livestock from wind or soil erosion.
• Home Gardens: A mix of trees, crops, and animals in small-scale household plots, typically for self-sufficiency.
• Boundary Planting: Trees are planted along the edges of fields, usually to define boundaries or provide wind protection.

3. Based on the Spatial Arrangement:

• Zonal Systems: Trees and crops are arranged in distinct zones (e.g., strips of trees alternating with crops).
• Mixed Systems: Trees, crops, and animals are interspersed randomly or planted based on space availability and compatibility.

4. Based on Time and Temporal Arrangements:

• Sequential Systems: Trees and crops are planted at different times, with one crop or tree maturing after the other is harvested.
• Simultaneous Systems: Trees and crops are grown at the same time, providing both short- and long-term yields.

Benefits of Agroforestry:

• Enhanced biodiversity by combining different species in a single plot.
• Improved soil health due to reduced erosion and enhanced nutrient recycling.
• Increased farm productivity by providing diverse products like wood, fruits, and fodder.
• Better climate resilience, as trees help stabilize microclimates, conserve water, and sequester carbon.
• Agroforestry can be adapted to various environmental and socioeconomic conditions, making it a flexible and sustainable approach to farming.

Global Hunger & Food security: Single solution; Agroforestry

Food security is indeed a pressing global crisis, with challenges such as population growth, climate change, soil degradation, and resource depletion threatening the ability to provide sufficient, nutritious food for all. Agroforestry offers a sustainable and effective solution to this crisis by addressing several key aspects of food production and environmental sustainability. Here’s how agroforestry can help resolve the food security crisis:

1. Increased Crop Yields and Productivity:

• Diverse Production: Agroforestry systems integrate trees, crops, and livestock, creating more diverse and resilient farming systems. By growing multiple products—such as fruits, nuts, timber, and staple crops—on the same land, farmers can produce more food without expanding agricultural land.
• Enhanced Soil Fertility: Trees in agroforestry systems improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, recycling nutrients through leaf litter, and preventing soil erosion. Healthy soils lead to better crop yields, ensuring consistent food production, even on degraded or marginal lands.

2. Climate Resilience and Adaptation:

• Buffer Against Climate Change: Climate change is one of the biggest threats to food security, with extreme weather events, shifting growing seasons, and unpredictable rainfall patterns affecting agriculture. Agroforestry helps mitigate these effects by stabilizing local microclimates, reducing temperature extremes, and improving water retention in soils. This enables farmers to maintain food production even under changing climate conditions.
• Carbon Sequestration: Agroforestry captures carbon through tree growth, helping to mitigate global warming. By reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture, agroforestry plays a role in longterm climate stabilization, which is essential for future food security.

3. Sustainable Land Management:

• Prevention of Land Degradation: One of the root causes of food insecurity is land degradation, often caused by deforestation, monoculture farming, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Agroforestry prevents soil degradation by controlling erosion, enhancing soil organic matter, and maintaining land productivity over time. This makes agricultural lands more sustainable, ensuring that future generations will have arable land to grow food.
• Water Conservation: Trees in agroforestry systems improve water infiltration and reduce evaporation, ensuring that water resources are better managed. This is particularly important in drought-prone areas where water scarcity threatens crop production.

4. Improved Livelihoods and Income Diversification:

• Economic Stability: Agroforestry provides multiple income streams through the sale of timber, fruits, nuts, and other products, in addition to crops. This diversification reduces the risks associated with crop failure, providing economic security for farmers and ensuring they can purchase food if their crops are insufficient.
• Reduced Vulnerability: Smallholder farmers, who are most vulnerable to food insecurity, benefit from agroforestry by having access to multiple sources of food and income. The diversified nature of agroforestry systems also improves nutritional security by providing a variety of food products, such as fruits, vegetables, and animal products.

5. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:

• Pollination and Pest Control: Agroforestry supports biodiversity by creating habitats for pollinators, which are essential for crop production, and natural predators, which control pests. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and increases crop yields.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Agroforestry practices can restore degraded ecosystems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of food production. By integrating trees and other perennials into the landscape, agroforestry restores ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling and water regulation, which are critical for agriculture.

6. Adaptation for Marginalized Communities:

• Food Security in Marginal Areas: Agroforestry is particularly effective in regions with poor soils, water scarcity, and harsh climates, where conventional farming is challenging. By improving soil fertility, conserving water, and stabilizing the environment, agroforestry makes it possible for communities in marginal areas to grow enough food to meet their needs.
• Empowering Small Farmers: Agroforestry is well-suited to smallholder farming, where farmers often lack access to resources like fertilizers and advanced technology. The low-cost, nature-based benefits of agroforestry empower these farmers to increase their food production without expensive inputs, ensuring better food security for rural and underserved populations.

Old practice or a new science; Agroforestry?

The statement "Agroforestry is a new science but an old practice" captures the essence of agroforestry's historical and scientific evolution. Agroforestry as a formal field of study and science has gained prominence only in recent decades, but the practice of integrating trees with crops and livestock is ancient and widespread across many traditional cultures.

Agroforestry as an Old Practice:

For centuries, indigenous and traditional farming communities around the world have practiced forms of agroforestry. These systems were rooted in local knowledge and adapted to the specific environmental conditions and cultural needs of the people.

Traditional Systems in Ancient Civilizations:

In tropical Asia, Africa, and the Americas, indigenous communities integrated trees, shrubs, crops, and livestock in various combinations to enhance food production, conserve resources, and create sustainable systems. Examples include the milpa system in Central America, where farmers plant crops like maize, beans, and squash alongside trees.

In ancient China, farmers integrated crops with mulberry trees to support silk production.

In the Indian subcontinent, ancient practices such as growing fruit trees with cereals and pulses have been part of the farming landscape for thousands of years.

Cultural Knowledge and Ecological Practices:

Many agroforestry practices were passed down through generations, guided by traditional knowledge systems. Farmers understood the ecological interactions between trees, crops, and animals and how these relationships could be harnessed to improve soil fertility, conserve water, and protect against climate extremes.

Trees provided multiple benefits, such as shade, windbreaks, and erosion control, in addition to food, medicine, and wood for fuel and construction. These systems were sustainable, diversified, and resilient in the face of environmental challenges.

Agroforestry as a New Science:

Despite its long history as a practice, agroforestry has only recently been studied and formalized as a scientific discipline.

Scientific Development:

The formal study of agroforestry began in the mid-20th century, driven by the need to find sustainable solutions to environmental degradation, deforestation, and food insecurity. It was recognized that integrating trees with agricultural practices offered a way to enhance productivity while protecting natural resources.

Institutions such as the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) were established to conduct research, develop methodologies, and promote agroforestry as a scientifically validated practice. The scientific study of agroforestry focuses on understanding the ecological, biological, and socioeconomic interactions in agroforestry systems.

Modern Innovations and Research:

As a science, agroforestry now includes cutting-edge research in areas like carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. It also integrates new technologies such as remote sensing, GIS mapping, and genetic improvements of tree species.

Agroforestry systems are being researched and adapted for different climatic zones, soil types, and socio-economic conditions, making it a crucial element of modern sustainable agriculture.

Policy and Global Recognition:

In recent years, agroforestry has gained global recognition as a key strategy for addressing climate change, restoring degraded lands, and promoting food security. Policies and frameworks now support agroforestry as part of sustainable development initiatives, making it a focal point for governments, NGOs, and international organizations.

The successful agroforestry models in the world and India:

Agroforestry has been successfully implemented in various parts of the world and in India, adapting to diverse environmental conditions and cultural practices. Here are some of the successful agroforestry models that have proven to be effective globally and in India:

Successful Agroforestry Models in the World:

1. Taungya System (Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America):

• Description: This system involves planting agricultural crops between newly established tree plantations, such as teak or pine. Farmers tend to the trees while also growing food crops, and after the trees mature, they are harvested for timber.
• Benefits: It provides both short-term food security and long-term economic returns from timber production.
• Example: Widely practiced in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Tanzania.

2. Silvopastoral Systems (Latin America, Europe):

• Description: This system combines trees and shrubs with livestock grazing on pastures. The trees provide shade, improve soil fertility, and reduce wind erosion, while animals help control weeds and fertilize the soil.
• Benefits: Increased biodiversity, improved livestock health, and higher productivity due to enhanced microclimate and soil fertility.
• Example: Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Spain have implemented large-scale silvopastoral systems to enhance productivity and sustainability.

3. Shade-grown Coffee and Cocoa (Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia):

• Description: Coffee and cocoa plants are grown under the shade of native trees, creating a multilayered canopy structure. This system mimics natural forests and provides habitat for wildlife.
• Benefits: Improves biodiversity, enhances carbon sequestration, and improves product quality. Farmers benefit from both coffee or cocoa production and the timber or fruit from shade trees. Example: Common in countries like Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, where it has supported smallholder farmers and reduced deforestation.

4. Alley Cropping (United States, Europe, Africa):

• Description: Crops are grown in the alleys between rows of trees or shrubs, such as nitrogenfixing species like Leucaena or Gliricidia. The trees improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and provide products like fuelwood and fodder.
• Benefits: Increases land-use efficiency, enhances soil health, and provides multiple products from the same plot.
• Example: Practiced in the U.S. Midwest with crops like corn and soybeans grown between rows of hardwood species. Also common in West Africa with fast-growing leguminous trees.

5. Home Gardens (Tropical Asia and Africa):

• Description: Small-scale agroforestry systems where trees, shrubs, crops, and sometimes livestock are integrated into household plots. These gardens typically include fruit trees, timber species, and vegetables grown in a multi-layered system.
• Benefits: Provides diverse food and income sources, promotes biodiversity, and supports food security for rural households.
• Example: Common in countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Kenya, where households practice home gardening for self-sufficiency.

Successful Agroforestry Models in India:

1. Taungya System (Northeast and South India):

• Description: Originally introduced during British colonial times, the Taungya system involves growing agricultural crops along with forest species, such as teak and sal, during the early stages of tree plantation.
• Benefits: Provides short-term income from crops while ensuring long-term benefits from timber. It also conserves forest ecosystems and enhances soil fertility. Example: Practiced in states like Kerala, Odisha, and Uttarakhand.

2. Agri-silviculture (Northwest and Central India):

• Description: This system combines agricultural crops with tree species like eucalyptus, poplar, and neem. The trees are often planted on field boundaries or in rows, while crops like wheat, maize, or mustard are grown between them.
• Benefits: Increases income through timber production, improves soil health, and provides shade and windbreaks for crops.
• Example: Common in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, where farmers grow poplar or eucalyptus alongside wheat and sugarcane.

3. Silvi-pastoral Systems (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh):

• Description: Trees like Prosopis juliflora and Acacia are integrated into grazing lands for livestock. This system ensures sustainable fodder supply and protects against land degradation in arid and semi-arid regions.
• Benefits: Provides fuelwood, timber, and fodder while combating desertification and improving pasture quality.
• Example: Practiced in Rajasthan and Gujarat, where livestock rearing is common, and trees provide resilience against drought.

4. Horti-pastoral Systems (Western and Central India):

• Description: A combination of fruit trees (such as mango, guava, and citrus) with pasture grasses for livestock. This system provides fruits, fodder, and fuelwood, improving both food and economic security.
• Benefits: Enhances food security and income through fruit production, supports livestock, and improves soil and water conservation.
• Example: Practiced in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan.

5. Alley Cropping (Southern India):

• Description: In this system, trees like Leucaena or Gliricidia are planted in rows, with crops such as millet, pulses, or vegetables grown in the alleys between the rows.
• Benefits: Improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, provides fodder for livestock, and enhances land productivity.
• Example: Common in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where farmers use this system to improve crop yields and soil fertility.

6. Home Gardens (Kerala and Northeast India):

• Description: Similar to tropical home gardens globally, this system integrates a variety of trees, crops, and sometimes animals in household plots. It often includes coconut, banana, spices, and vegetables.
• Benefits: Enhances household food security, provides diverse products, and supports biodiversity conservation.
• Example: Particularly successful in Kerala, where traditional home gardens provide food, income, and environmental benefits to rural households.

Furthermore,agroforestry models around the world and in India have demonstrated their potential to provide ecological, economic, and social benefits. These systems improve food security, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to sustainable land management practices. By adapting these successful models to local contexts, agroforestry can continue to play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, improving livelihoods, and protecting ecosystems.

Agroforestry centres around the world:

Several agroforestry centers and institutions around the world are dedicated to promoting research, education, and implementation of agroforestry practices. These organizations play a key role in advancing agroforestry as a science and promoting sustainable agricultural development globally. Here are some prominent agroforestry centers around the world:

1. World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) – Nairobi, Kenya

• Overview: The World Agroforestry Centre, also known as ICRAF, is the leading international research institution for agroforestry. It is part of the CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) network and works extensively on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through agroforestry practices.
• Focus Areas: ICRAF focuses on agroforestry research, policy advocacy, and development projects that integrate trees into farming systems to improve food security, enhance ecosystem services, and mitigate climate change.
• Key Programs: ICRAF conducts research in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with programs focused on sustainable land use, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and agroforestry education.

2. International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) Southeast Asia Regional Office – Bogor, Indonesia

• Overview: ICRAF’s Southeast Asia Regional Office conducts research and provides support to agroforestry projects in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand.
• Focus Areas: This office focuses on landscape management, climate resilience, biodiversity, and improving smallholder farmer livelihoods through agroforestry innovations.
• Key Programs: Projects include the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, restoration of degraded lands, and climate-smart agriculture in Southeast Asia.

3. Center for Agroforestry at the University of Missouri – United States

• Overview: The Center for Agroforestry at the University of Missouri is one of the leading institutions in North America for agroforestry research and education. It works to integrate trees, crops, and livestock into sustainable agricultural systems across the United States.
• Focus Areas: The center focuses on silvopasture, alley cropping, forest farming, riparian buffer systems, and windbreaks. It also offers extensive outreach and training programs for landowners, students, and policymakers. Key Programs: Research on agroforestry’s role in mitigating climate change, improving soil health, and increasing farm profitability.

4. Agroforestry Research Trust – United Kingdom

• Overview: The Agroforestry Research Trust is a non-profit organization based in Devon, UK. It is dedicated to promoting agroforestry and sustainable farming systems through research, education, and the production of agroforestry-related publications. Focus Areas: The trust conducts research on temperate agroforestry systems, including the cultivation of useful trees, shrubs, and perennial crops.
• Key Programs: They publish practical guides on agroforestry, conduct research on tree crops and forest gardening, and manage demonstration sites in the UK.

5. European Agroforestry Federation (EURAF) – Europe

• Overview: EURAF is a network of scientists, farmers, and policymakers working to promote agroforestry practices across Europe. It aims to integrate trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to improve biodiversity, soil fertility, and farm sustainability. Focus Areas: EURAF promotes policy changes to support agroforestry within the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It also encourages research on agroforestry’s role in climate change adaptation, ecosystem services, and sustainable land management.
• Key Programs: EURAF hosts conferences, provides resources for agroforestry practitioners, and advocates for agroforestry-friendly policies across Europe. 6. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) – Ibadan, Nigeria
• Overview: The IITA is one of the leading agricultural research organizations in Africa, focusing on improving food security and livelihoods in tropical regions. IITA has an active agroforestry program aimed at integrating trees into farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Focus Areas: Agroforestry research at IITA includes improving soil fertility through tree crops, integrating agroforestry into climate-resilient farming systems, and enhancing smallholder farmer productivity.
• Key Programs: IITA conducts agroforestry projects in collaboration with other international research organizations, focusing on tree crops like cocoa, oil palm, and rubber in agroforestry systems.

7. African Network for Agroforestry Education (ANAFE) – Africa

• Overview: ANAFE is an African-based network that works to enhance agroforestry education and capacity-building across the continent. It is supported by ICRAF and other international organizations.
• Focus Areas: The network helps universities and educational institutions in Africa develop agroforestry curricula and training programs for students and professionals. Key Programs: ANAFE provides scholarships, organizes workshops, and supports agroforestry research projects in collaboration with African universities.

8. The African Forest Forum (AFF) – Nairobi, Kenya

• Overview: AFF is a pan-African organization that promotes sustainable forest management and agroforestry to address environmental degradation and climate change in Africa.
• Focus Areas: AFF works on agroforestry research, policy advocacy, and capacitybuilding to promote the sustainable use of trees in agricultural landscapes.
• Key Programs: AFF organizes forums, workshops, and research initiatives to improve agroforestry practices across the African continent.

9. National Agroforestry Centre (NAC) – United States

• Overview: The National Agroforestry Center is a USDA Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service partnership that supports agroforestry research, education, and outreach in the United States.
• Focus Areas: NAC focuses on agroforestry practices that promote ecosystem services, including water quality improvement, habitat conservation, and carbon sequestration.
• Key Programs: NAC offers resources and technical assistance to farmers and landowners, including agroforestry planning tools and training materials.

10. World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) South Asia Regional Program – India Overview: 

• ICRAF's South Asia Regional Program operates in India and surrounding countries, promoting agroforestry to address food security, climate change, and land degradation.
• Focus Areas: The center works with Indian institutions to promote agroforestry practices, including home gardens, alley cropping, and silvopasture, which are adapted to local conditions.
• Key Programs: The program supports initiatives like the National Agroforestry Policy of India and agroforestry-based climate resilience projects in rural areas.

Overall, these centers around the world are at the forefront of agroforestry research, policy development, and practical implementation. They are key to advancing the science and practice of agroforestry, ensuring that it plays a central role in addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Successful agroforestry professionals across the world:

Several agroforestry professionals and pioneers have contributed significantly to the advancement and promotion of agroforestry practices around the world. These individuals have played vital roles in research, policy advocacy, and practical implementation of agroforestry systems.

1. Dennis Garrity (Philippines)

• Background: Dennis Garrity is the former Director General of the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and currently serves as the Drylands Ambassador for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
• Contribution: Garrity is known for his extensive work on agroforestry systems that enhance food security, restore degraded lands, and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. He has championed evergreen agriculture, a system that integrates trees into crop and pasturelands to restore soil fertility and increase resilience to climate change.

2. Tony Rinaudo (Australia)

• Background: An agronomist from Australia, Tony Rinaudo is known as the "Forest Maker" for his work in reforesting degraded lands in Africa.
• Contribution: Rinaudo developed the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) technique, which encourages the regrowth of trees from stumps and root systems already present in degraded landscapes. This method has been instrumental in restoring millions of hectares of land in countries like Niger, Ethiopia, and Kenya, transforming barren lands into productive agroforestry systems.

3. Patrick Worms (Belgium)

• Background: Patrick Worms is a Senior Science Policy Advisor at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and a prominent advocate for agroforestry.
• Contribution: Worms is an influential voice in policy advocacy for agroforestry and sustainable land use. He has worked across continents, promoting agroforestry as a solution to environmental degradation, food insecurity, and climate change. His focus has been on integrating scientific research with practical agroforestry applications, particularly in Africa and Europe.

4. Rattan Lal (India/United States)

• Background: Rattan Lal is a soil scientist and Distinguished Professor of Soil Science at Ohio State University. Originally from India, Lal has contributed significantly to global agroforestry and sustainable agriculture.
• Contribution: Lal's work on soil health and carbon sequestration has helped emphasize the role of agroforestry in mitigating climate change. He has advocated for practices that improve soil fertility, increase agricultural productivity, and sequester carbon through agroforestry systems. His research has influenced global policies on land use and climate change adaptation.

5. Roland Bunch (United States)

• Background: Roland Bunch is an agroecologist and author, known for his work in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry, particularly in Latin America and Africa.
• Contribution: Bunch has promoted agroforestry practices such as green manuring and cover cropping to improve soil fertility and increase crop yields. His work has focused on empowering smallholder farmers in tropical regions to adopt agroforestry techniques that enhance food security and ecological resilience.

6. Wanjira Mathai (Kenya)

• Background: Wanjira Mathai is the daughter of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai and a prominent environmentalist and agroforestry advocate in her own right.
• Contribution: Mathai is the Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation and has worked extensively with the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, an organization that integrates tree planting with sustainable agriculture and community development. She continues to promote agroforestry as a solution for environmental restoration and poverty alleviation.

7. Siraj Bawa (Ghana)

• Background: Siraj Bawa is a prominent agroforestry practitioner and advocate in Ghana, known for his work on sustainable land management and agroforestry systems.
• Contribution: Bawa has been instrumental in implementing agroforestry programs that combine tree planting with agricultural crops to improve soil health and increase yields for smallholder farmers in Ghana. His work focuses on the integration of trees such as shea and cashew with food crops, promoting economic and environmental sustainability.

8. Elisabeth Simelton (Sweden)

• Background: Elisabeth Simelton is a climate change scientist and agroforestry researcher at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF).
• Contribution: Simelton has conducted extensive research on how agroforestry can help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change. Her work focuses on integrating trees into farming systems to enhance resilience, increase crop productivity, and promote sustainable land management in Southeast Asia and Africa.

9. Sara Scherr (United States)

• Background: Sara Scherr is an agricultural and environmental economist and the founder of EcoAgriculture Partners, an organization that promotes landscape-scale agroforestry and sustainable agriculture.
• Contribution: Scherr has been a leading advocate for agroforestry systems that integrate biodiversity conservation with agricultural productivity. She has worked globally to promote landscape approaches that combine tree planting, crop production, and ecosystem restoration, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

10. Peter Huxley (United Kingdom)

• Background: A pioneer in agroforestry research, Peter Huxley was a British ecologist who contributed significantly to the development of agroforestry as a scientific discipline.
• Contribution: Huxley was one of the founding figures at the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF). His research on the interactions between trees and crops laid the foundation for the scientific study of agroforestry. Huxley helped establish many of the principles of modern agroforestry, influencing generations of researchers and practitioners.

Overall, these professionals have made significant contributions to the field of agroforestry, helping to shape its development as both a science and a practice. Through their research, advocacy, and practical innovations, they have promoted sustainable land-use practices that benefit farmers, communities, and the environment worldwide.

Agroforestry to UN SDGs: A promising sustainable solution

Agroforestry, a land-use management system that integrates trees with agriculture, plays a crucial role in contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here's how:

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Increased food production: Agroforestry can enhance crop yields and diversify agricultural production, ensuring food security.
• Improved soil health: Trees can improve soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Climate resilience: Agroforestry practices can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture, such as droughts and floods.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Improved nutrition: Trees can provide nutritious fruits, nuts, and leaves, enhancing dietary diversity and promoting better health.
• Reduced diseases: Agroforestry can create healthier environments by providing shade, reducing soil erosion, and improving air quality.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Empowerment of women: Agroforestry projects can provide women with income-generating opportunities and enhance their decision-making power within agricultural communities.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Improved water quality: Trees can help prevent soil erosion and reduce sedimentation in water bodies, improving water quality.
• Reduced water scarcity: Agroforestry practices can help conserve water by reducing evaporation and improving soil moisture retention.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Renewable energy: Trees can be used to produce biomass, which can be converted into renewable energy sources like biofuels. SDG 13: Climate Action
• Carbon sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.
• Biodiversity conservation: Agroforestry practices can support biodiversity by providing habitat for various species.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Biodiversity conservation: Agroforestry can help protect and restore degraded ecosystems, promoting biodiversity.
• Soil conservation: Trees can prevent soil erosion and improve soil health, contributing to land conservation.

Conclusion:

Agroforestry offers a promising solution to the challenges of food security and climate change. By addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, world can harness the full potential of agroforestry to build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future. 

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