Simultaneously protecting the environment and its residents: The need to incorporate agroforestry principles into the ecological projects of China

Abstract

To mitigate severe environmental problems, the Chinese government introduced many ecological projects in degraded regions in the past 20 years. At the same time, ecological projects occupied cultivated croplands and thus, the income of local residents was significantly affected. From the perspective of both economic and ecological benefits, converting the current land use system into agroforestry systems is suggested in this study. Through a scientific design, an agroforestry system will be capable of supplying considerable output to residents in the land conversion region. In addition, the government should create an appropriate subsidy system, stable market environment, and free agricultural training services to help farmers. Amidst the increasing population and limiting cropland expansion globally, agroforestry is an answer to problems related to achieving the aims of sustainable development in China and other developing countries.