‘Solid–fluid–gas’: the state of knowledge on carbon-sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in Africa

Abstract

The perception that agroforestry systems have higher potential to sequester carbon than comparable single-species crop systems or pasture systems is based on solid scientific foundation. However, the estimates of carbon stock of agroforestry systems in Africa—reported to range from 1.0 to 18.0MgCha−1 in aboveground biomass and up to 200MgCha−1 in soils, and their C sequestration potential from 0.4 to 3.5MgCha−1yr−1–are based on generalizations and vague or faulty assumptions and therefore are of poor scientific value. Although agroforestry initiatives are promising pathways for climate-change mitigation, rigorous scientific procedures of carbon sequestration estimations are needed for realizing their full potential.