The Role of Agroforestry in Ecosystem Maintenance and Climate Change Regulation: A Review

Abstract

Agro forestry systems are believed to provide several ecosystem services; however, until recently evidence in the agro forestry literature supporting these perceived benefits has been lacking. This paper aimed to provide empirical information on the role of agro forestry in ecosystem maintenance and climate change adaptation and mitigation provided by agro forestry. Agro forestry has played a greater role in the maintenance of the ecosystem and mitigation of CO2 than monocropping and open cereal-based agriculture but less than natural forest. Agro forestry is important for preserving biodiversity, CO2 sequestration, and adapting to climate change. CO2 sequestration through above and ground biomass, offsetting CO2 emission from deforestation and microclimate modification are major climate change mitigation effects. Provision of numerous ecosystem services such as food, fodder, and fuel wood, income source, and enhancing soil productivity help the community to sustain changing climate effects. Hence, considerable attention needs to be given to agro forestry to contribute considerable benefit to the maintenance of the ecosystem, and climate change mitigation and adaptation next to a forest.