Agroforestry: A Climate Resilient and Sustainable Land Use

Abstract

Agroforestry (AF) means combining shrubs, trees, crops, and livestock to manage rural land resources. It generates economic, environmental, and social benefits. Traditionally, agroforestry systems have been mixed farming systems. In India, agroforestry has been around for generations as a way of life. Approximately 10% of all agricultural land worldwide is believed to be covered by agroforestry. Nearly half of the needs for firewood, small timber (65%), wood for plywood (70–80%), the base material for paper pulp (60%), and nutritious green food for animals (9–11%) are met by it. Agroforestry has become of greater significance in tackling numerous challenges as well as offering a broad range of socioeconomic and environmentally friendly advantages, especially in the wake of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). When combined with field crops, trees have the ability to significantly boost the economy by diversifying the land, generating sustainable income, and enhancing the security of food, fuel, and fodder. Because agroforestry simultaneously reduces the amount of greenhouse gases produced from the soil by storing carbon in topsoil and biomass from trees, it increases the likelihood of minimizing and adapting to the effects of changing the climate. By 2030, India aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases, it emits by 33–35% from 2005 levels. India has launched a landmark National Agroforestry Policy 2014 that promotes agroforestry. Also outlined is a recommendation to upscale and promote agroforestry research at the national level through institutional mechanisms. The policy aims to foster collaboration across numerous projects, plans, and organizations that incorporate agroforestry features to improve the livelihoods, revenue, and productivity of small-scale landowners. The policy also seeks to increase awareness about agroforestry and its benefits among farmers, stakeholders, and the public. It also encourages the use of agroforestry practices for sustainable land management. Lastly, the policy seeks to create an enabling environment for agroforestry development