Agroforestry Practices Research Articles

Designing agroforestry systems for greater economic viability and resilience

Agroforestry is recognised for its capacity to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation, but adoption rates remain lower than expected, necessitating an exploration into the economic viability of agroforestry practices. Key economic variables influencing the viability of agroforestry include benefits, costs, labour and farmers' risk profiles. Benefits of agroforestry include increased income and food security, and stability and resilience against market fluctuations and adverse weather conditions. Costs, both direct - fixed (land) and variable (fertiliser) - and indirect, are high to begin with but more established agroforestry systems ultimately provide cost-savings. Labour is more intensive in agroforestry than in monoculture farming, but agroforestry farmers work under cooler conditions thanks to shade trees. A farmers' risk perception is influenced by socioeconomic factors, market fluctuations and environmental conditions, but the risk posed by market price fluctuations can be mitigated through diversification. Models are used to analyse the economic viability of agroforestry systems, considering factors such as crop combinations, labour requirements and market conditions. Farmers’ knowledge of the economic performance of agroforestry systems must be improved upon, but their approval of model scenarios depends upon local contexts and perceptions being understood and respected. Only then will the sustainable adoption and scaling up of agroforestry practices improve.

Farmer managed natural regeneration to reconstitute agroforestry parklands in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is facing an accelerated degradation of natural resources, exacerbated by natural phenomena and human activities which, coupled with the impact of climate change and poverty, have caused food insecurity in the arid province of Passoré. To address these challenges, farmers have been implementing initiatives rooted in local knowledge and traditional practices. The practice of interest is farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR), an ancestral agroforestry practice that protects and tends to spontaneous tree growth in agricultural fields. A qualitative study conducted in the province of Passoré revealed farmers’ reasons for adopting FMNR. As a low-cost practice that requires few technical or financial resources, farmers are attracted to its affordability. FMNR also enables farmers to circumvent customary prohibitions regarding tree planting, and navigate land ownership dynamics, as it involves tending to spontaneous growth rather than deliberate planting. Since FMNR does not involve tree planting, it does not imply land ownership claims, making it inclusive for migrants and women who have limited land rights. By introducing indigenous species such as Piliostigma reticulatum (bangandé) FMNR helps meet energy needs called for by women, and improves the density of plant cover, restoring clearings while improving livelihoods. FMNR has been instrumental in empowering women by providing commercial opportunities in the non-timber forest product (NTFP) sector, enabling them to earn an independent income, strengthening their autonomy within the household. FMNR has thus become integral to farming systems in Passoré due to its many tangible agronomic, environmental and socioeconomic benefits, offering solutions to land degradation, exclusion from tree planting projects, food insecurity and gender inequality. Broader dissemination of its potential for rapid restoration of forest resources at low cost is, therefore, recommended to help other regions of Burkina Faso overcome their challenges of degradation and climate change.

Smallholder Farmers' Local Practices Underpinning the Use of Agroforestry Technologies in Uganda's Mt. Elgon Region

Mt. Elgon is a unique cross-border afro-montane ecosystem that has always provided vital essential goods and services for human livelihoods. However, with the increasing population density, forest degradation has become a significant issue, resulting in a rise in landslides, mudslides, pest and disease outbreaks, and reduced land productivity. Recently, it has been realized that many smallholder farmers have incorporated trees into their farming systems using indigenous knowledge, indicating their profound knowledge regarding tree use and management has reminded us that farmers have always been privy to much information regarding tree use and management accumulated over the years. This study aims to investigate how smallholder farmers' local practices enhance the use of agroforestry technologies in the eastern highlands of Uganda. This information will help develop and promote agroforestry practices that are acceptable to farmers. The study employed a case study approach, collecting data from 12 smallholder farmers over four months. The results indicate that smallholder farmers use local practices to enhance tree seedling survival, optimize space, and shorten the waiting time for tree-related benefits. Although some of their practices may not align with the desired outcome of farm productivity, further validation is needed to understand how they can be integrated into mainstream agroforestry research and development

Newly established, multifunctional woody polycultures preserve agroforestry soil health benefits of a widespread U.S. land retirement program

Soil health degradation within intensively managed annual crop systems threatens the long-term economic sustainability of maize- and soybean-dominated production regions like the U.S. Corn Belt. While Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) efforts to perennialize portions of farmland to improve soil health have been largely successful, many landowners intend to return CRP land to high revenue maize and soybean cultivation. The CRP could be a pathway for a regionally tailored and profitable form of agroforestry focused on fruit and nut production potential, known as multifunctional woody polycultures (MWPs). In theory, MWPs should provide similar soil health benefits as CRP agroforestry, as soil health benefits are generally robust across agroforestry practices. We conducted a study in the heart of the U.S. Corn Belt to compare soil health responses between newly established (<10 years) CRP and MWP agroforestry systems and adjacent annual crop production fields. Because organic inputs from plant litter and roots are more consistent under untilled perennial vegetation systems compared to intensively managed annual crop systems, we hypothesized that CRP and MWP would entail similar enhancements to physical, soil organic matter (SOM), and biological soil health. Our results indicate establishing untilled, perennial CRP and MWP systems can quickly improve physical and biological soil health relative to annual crop production, based on decreased soil bulk density, greater soil water infiltration, and increased soil enzyme activity. Unexpectedly, CRP and MWP elicited divergent SOM responses. Notably, only MWP increased surface soil organic carbon stocks relative to annual crop fields, likely reflecting species-variant plant biomass growth rates. Our study demonstrates MWPs can manifest similar improvements to physical and biological soil health as CRP agroforestry on a relatively short timescale. The sensitivity of transition-state SOM responses between CRP and MWP demonstrates the importance of woody perennial selection to maximize specific soil health outcomes.

The economic impact of agroforestry practice in production forest areas, Сentral Java province, Indonesia

The concept of Joint Community Forest Management in Indonesia is an effort to involve communities in forest management through agroforestry to support forest sustainability. Agroforestry (or persilan in local language) carried out by pesanggem in the KPH Kebonharjo and KPH Mantingan Working Areas significantly contributes to the pesanggem household income. This research wants to measure the provision of agroforestry on pesanggem household income and examine agroforestry factors that influence pesanggem household income. Data collection techniques through surveys and observations of 216 pesanggem households were carried out in the KPH Kebonharjo and KPH Mantingan areas, divided into eight villages respectively. The data was then analyzed descriptively and by multiple linear regression analysis. The research results found that the agroforestry pattern through land plots refers to agricultural activities by pesanggem in forest areas by utilizing forest land belonging to Perum Perhutani as agricultural/persilan for planting seasonal crops. Persilan contributions provide a moderate contribution to pesanggem households in KPH Kebonharjo and KPH Mantingan with a total contribution percentage of 38% or IDR 11,000,000 per household per year with details for each KPH Kebonharjo 44% (IDR 10,900,000 per household per year) and KPH Mantingan 33% (Rp. 11,200,000 per household per year). Based on the results of linear regression analysis, some variables significantly influence measurements with degrees of confidence of 85%, 95%, and 99%. The variables agricultural equipment (sig. 0.133), distance to agroforestry land (sig. -0.051), labor utilization (sig. 0.038), and land area of land persil (sig. 0.001) show an influence on the agroforestry income of pesanggem households in KPH Kebonharjo. In addition, the variables farming income (sig. -0.143), other income (sig. 0.048), area of land plots (sig. 0.037), and distance to agroforestry land (sig. 0.001) show an influence on the agroforestry income of pesanggem households, at KPH Mantingan. This research provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between agroforestry, production forests, and economic dynamics, providing a foundation for sound policy-making and encouraging environmentally conscious economic growth

Carbon Stock Assessment of Four Selected Agroforestry Systems in Owerri-West Local Government Area, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of the study is to generate data on the carbon stock in four predominant agroforestry systems in the southeast Nigeria. Agroforestry (AF) system studied were oil palm, plantain, Bush mango and mixed agroforestry systems.&#x0D; Methods: Methodologies adopted were measurement of diameter at breast height (dbh) of woody species, soil and litter sampling and the use of allometric equations in the determination of biomass carbon.&#x0D; Results: The results obtained showed that total agroforestry carbon ranged from 160.2±102.2Mg C ha-1 to 130.7 ±93.2 Mg C ha-1. Mixed AF system recorded the highest total biomass carbon of 8.39 ±1.4 Mg C ha-1 and lowest in bush mango AF. There was significant positive relationship between total biomass carbon and species richness and total agroforestry carbon. Also, SOC positively with all the ecological parameters examined. Soil organic carbon contributed significantly to the total agroforestry carbon recorded in this study.&#x0D; Conclusion: With the level of carbon stock observed in the biomass and soils of the agroforestry systems in the region, agroforestry practices should be encouraged to boost climate change mitigation.

Environmental, Technical, and Resources Challenges Facing Agroforestry: A Case of Sustainable Land Management in Malaysia

Sustainable Land Management (SLM) plays a crucial role in mitigating land degradation and fostering food security. While previous research has primarily concentrated on SLM's scientific application, there remains a lack of insight into the specific challenges encountered in agroforestry practices. Addressing this knowledge gap, our qualitative research employed a multimethod approach, integrating Gioia methodology with case studies, to investigate the obstacles within agroforestry. We utilized diverse data sources, including surveys, interviews, and field observations. A total of ninety-eight respondents contributed to the survey, the results of which underwent descriptive analysis. Furthermore, we conducted three focus group interviews involving stakeholders from government bodies and private plantation sectors. Our findings indicate that agroforestry stands as a vital strategy for food security. However, its implementation faces several barriers, notably environmental challenges such as climate change impacts and soil fertility degradation. Technical hurdles, including deficiencies in expertise and knowledge, were significant, as were constraints in resources like land availability, labor force, and financial investment. Two primary conclusions were drawn from our research: Agroforestry is substantially beneficial for food security, yet it encounters several challenges that restrict its full potential within the agriculture industry. Consequently, there is an urgent need to address the environmental, technical, and resource-related challenges to optimize the advantages of agroforestry in achieving sustainable land management and bolstering food security.

Agroforestry system on peatlands in Pulau Hanaut, Kotawaringin Timur: A win-win solution to preserve peatland functions

Agroforestry on peatlands in Pulau Hanaut sub-district of Kotawaringin Timur is an approach that combines agricultural crops with trees on peatlands. The location of this project is in Serambut and Babaung villages, Pulau Hanaut sub-district. Primary data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGD), interviews, and direct observation in the field, and secondary data were collected by studying the related documents that existed. All the data then were analyzed by qualitative descriptive analysis. This site has a peat depth of less than 50 cm and a maximum water table between -10 to -15 cm. Peatland is a unique ecosystem that requires specific considerations for agroforestry practices. Implementing proper water management techniques, such as controlled water levels and irrigation, can help maintain the hydrological balance. Tree species selection that are suitable for peatland conditions were chosen by the communities, such as fruit tree species, cashew nuts, and enrichment planting on the current coconut farm. In addition, fire prevention is also an important part of peatland management. Therefore, zero-burning and organic farming practices should be implemented. Implementing agroforestry on peatlands requires careful planning, considering the unique characteristics of peatland ecosystems, and the ecological, social, and economic aspects of the local community. Local stakeholders’ involvement in decision-making processes is highly recommended to ensure the success of agroforestry initiatives on peatlands in the sub-district, which is part of the Mentaya-Katingan Peat Hydrological Unit, Central Kalimantan.

Perspectives of rural farming households on home gardens as an agroforestry for food security: a qualitative study in Indonesia

In developing countries, rural farmers contribute significantly to food production, but their households are still vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Food security is a concept that refers to the ability of a country or region to ensure the availability, accessibility, and utilization of sufficient and nutritious food for its entire population, both in normal situations and under crisis conditions such as natural disasters or political instability. Food security is critical as it is directly related to national security, public health, and sustainable development. To improve food security, governments and international agencies often focus on policies such as increased food production, diversification of food sources, sustainable management of natural resources, and food assistance programs for vulnerable populations. The practice of agroforestry in home gardens offers a variety of readily available, cost-effective, and nutritious food options, which plays a significant role in enhancing the food security of agricultural families. Agroforestry, an integrated land management system combining food crops, trees, and sometimes livestock, offers a potential solution to improve food security. By growing various crops, farmers are not solely dependent on a single source of food, which reduces the risk of crop failure. Agroforestry systems increase resilience to climate change by reducing the impact of natural disasters, such as floods and droughts. Trees can act as wind barriers, reduce soil erosion, and aid in water conservation. This qualitative research with a systematic exploratory approach and grounded analysis examines how agroforestry contributes to farmers' food security by conducting in-depth interviews with farmers in North Luwu, Indonesia. The study identified home garden categories of agroforestry and then evaluated the role of agroforestry food production in terms of securing the food needs of households. The study discovered that restructure food bolsters across various income brackets by promoting healthier eating habits. Additionally, food production enhances the sustainability of food supplies for households and the health and prosperity of agriculturalists. The primary obstacles to producing food at the household level were identified as secure access to appropriate land and the possession of adequate farming expertise. Key words: agroforestry, farmer, rural, food security, household, home garden, Indonesia

Agroforestry in the UK: exploring consumer knowledge and interest

PurposeThis paper's purpose is to explore the current interest and knowledge that UK consumers hold around agroforestry. Despite the many reported benefits of agroforestry systems, uptake in the UK, as well as other temperate nations, has been low. As the consumer has a role to play in the transition of agriculture to methods that are more environmentally friendly it is vital to have an understanding of their perceptions. Yet to date no work has looked at agroforestry from the perspective of the UK consumer.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted using a convenience sample accessed by floating a link through social media and messaging apps. The survey was also shared to the members of a private Facebook group associated with an organic vegetable box service. A mix of multiple choice and open text boxes were used. The survey received 139 responses.FindingsNon-parametric tests indicate that this sample of UK consumers would be mostly likely to buy, and willing to pay more for, agroforestry produce; and the sample showed a split group regarding familiarity. Inductive thematic analysis of the qualitative data highlighted some important barriers to the purchase as well as capturing a snapshot of this sample's perceptions.Originality/valueThis paper presents, to the authors knowledge, the first set of data regarding a sample of UK consumers' perspective of agroforestry produce. The findings could bolster producers' confidence in adopting agroforestry practices, but also highlight the need for policymakers to bolster consumer support through parallel means.

THE FORMS OF SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF PEASANTS IN AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS ON THE COAST OF TERRA NOVA DO CAREIRO DA VÁRZEA AND COSTA DO PESQUEIRO I IN MANACAPURU

The forms of social organization in Agroforestry Systems, we found that the peasants of Costa da Terra Nova and Costa do Pesqueiro I developed complex social and economic systems based on agroforestry practices. The objective of this work was to understand the forms of social organization of work in Costa da Terra Nova and Costa do Pesqueiro I in Agroforestry Systems. To this end, local visits were carried out with the application of a socioeconomic form with peasants from two riverside communities, the Comunidade São Francisco in the municipality of Careiro da Várzea, and the community of Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro in Manacapuru in the State of Amazonas. These systems are characterized by social and ecological diversity, and are shaped by local knowledge, culture and values. Peasants in the study areas often engage in a variety of economic activities, including agriculture, fishing and small-scale trade. These activities are often integrated into a broader social and economic system based on mutual support.

Soil Physicochemical Properties Variation under Annual Crop and Coffee Landuse in the Chentale Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

A detrimental decline in soil fertility has been attributed to losses in arable land productivity in Ethiopia. In this line, several studies were conducted to enable informed decisions; however, monitoring soil property dynamics in different biophysical, climatic, and cropping systems is yet to be adequate to support and influence decision and policymakers. To this end, this study evaluated soil physicochemical properties on land managed for annual crops and coffee land use in the Chentale watershed, the upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia. About 24 soil samples were collected from the two land uses and soil depths (topsoil: 0–15 cm and subsoil: 15–30 cm) with 6 replications for soil properties analysis. The result showed that most of the soil parameters varied significantly with land uses and were higher with coffee landuse (p&lt;0.01) than with cropland. Furthermore, a neutral pH range, clay loam texture, medium level of organic matter (3.93%) and nitrogen (0.18%), high level of available phosphorus (23.35 PPM), and high to very high level of exchangeable base were recorded from coffee landuse than from cropland. Whereas the mean values of organic matter (OM) and total nitrogen (TN) decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased in the subsoil. However, most of the physical and chemical properties of the soil did not vary significantly with depth. Moreover, low pH, low OM content, and low TN are the main properties of soil considered constraints of soil fertility in cropland at both depths. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain agroforestry practices, reduce the intensity of tilling, and supply organic materials to sustain the productivity of cropland.

Adaptation and Growth Performance Evaluation of Selected Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs at Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

europea, and Calliandra calothyrsus, at Yabello Agriculture Research Center to evaluate their adaptability and growth performance. The experiment was arranged in RCBD with three replications. The growth parameters, namely, survival rate, plant height, diameter at breast height, and root collar diameters, were measured and recorded each year. Results revealed that the variations among tree species in survival rate were highly significant (p&lt;0.001) after four years of age. This could be due to environmental factors and/or the genetic potential of the species, which generally govern the growth of a given species. Among the species tested, Moringa oleifera and Olea europea showed the highest performance in terms of survival rate. Olea europea and Moringa oleifera showed the highest survival rates, with 83.33% and 77.78%, respectively. On the other hand, Calliandra calothyrsus showed the lowest survival rate (22.22%). Thus, the long dry season, which extended for the last four years in the study area, clearly explains the poor survival and growth response of the species. Hence, it can be inferred that the conditions in Yabello match the environmental requirements of Moringa oleifera and Olea europea. Therefore, the species offers much promise for future use in agroforestry practices in the area. Thus, the study advocates for the proper allocation of adapted species in Yabello conditions and related agroecology for agroforestry practices, forest plantations, and economic benefits for stakeholders

Assessing the cropland changes into agroforestry and its livelihood outcomes: Evidence from northern Bangladesh

This research was conducted to assess the scope and impact of the conversion of croplands into agroforestry orchards considering characterizing agroforestry growers, identify challenges they face during the transition process, and gather their recommended strategies to address these challenges.The investigation took place in Sadar and Biral upazila within Dinajpur district of northern part of Bangladesh. To establish a sample group, an updated roster of total 266 agroforestry growers was procured from the respective Upazila Agriculture Offices. Using a simple random sampling method, 80 growers were selected for participation in this study. Data was gathered through structured and pretested interview schedules administered to respondents between April 15th and May 15th, 2022. The study evaluated ten key attributes of agroforestry growers, encompassing factors like age, educational background, farm size, farming experience, family income, extension network engagement, agricultural knowledge, innovation inclination, marketing orientation, and technological attitude. The central focus of the study centered on the transition from croplands to agroforestry orchards. The study revealed that over the period spanning 1990 to 2022, agroforestry farmers in the study region converted cropland into orchards with varying extents, ranging from 13 % to 19.83 %. The substitution of predominant crops such as rice, maize, and wheat, along with minor crops like potatoes, vegetables, mustard, garlic, turmeric, and napier grass, marked the transition to agroforestry practices. Evaluating the consequences of this transition, approximately 60.00 % of growers perceived medium-level impacts on economic aspects, while 70.00 %, 61.25 %, and 58.75 % alleged the effects on environmental conditions, household food security, and social status, respectively as also moderately. Among the challenges faced during this shift, the most prominent was the difficulty in obtaining fair prices due to intermediary involvement. Conversely, elevated production costs were regarded as a lesser concern. Respondents put forth a variety of solutions, with the primary recommendation being the organization of enhanced training programs for farmers on scientific agroforestry systems management. In contrast, the concept of fostering appropriate coordination among agroforestry practitioners garnered less attention as a potential solution. Therefore, for farmer's enhanced benefit as well as for better environmental outputs and food security, agroforestry product marketing strategy should be strengthening using site specific policy and program.

Factors Influencing the Double-Up Adoption of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Malawi

Maize remains the staple grain in Malawi; hence, the cropping system of most smallholder farmers is dominated by the crop, often mono-cropped for food security. Consequently, Malawi’s agriculture sector is made vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. For instance, crop failure results in food insecurity and the low income of farm households. In response, there are coping mechanisms, which can be adopted by farmers to mitigate these negative climate change effects, namely maize–legume diversification, organic manure use, and the practice of agroforestry. Therefore, the underlying objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing smallholder maize farmers’ decision to engage in the double-up adoption of climate change adaptation strategies in Malawi. Both descriptive statistics and the logistic regression model were employed to statistically analyze these factors, and the results of the analysis revealed that landholding size, inorganic fertilizer use, access to credit, seed access, adherence to extension services, and input coupon access were significant in influencing dual adoption. Furthermore, this study recommends policies, which underscore land access and safeguard the land rights of smallholder maize farmers, and also private sector engagement in complementing government efforts in ensuring increased access to seeds. Additionally, improving farmers’ adherence to agricultural extension services is recommended. Thus, addressing the constraints of small-scale farmers observed in this study will act as an incentive for farmers to consider dual adoption, which is perceived to be a feasible method to combat climate change effects.

Soil organic carbon stocks and fertility in smallholder indigenous agroforestry systems of the North-Eastern mountains, Tanzania

Soil organic carbon and soil fertility are critical components of soil health and play a significant role in sustaining agricultural productivity. Indigenous agroforestry practices have been identified as an interesting avenue to sequester carbon and enhance soil fertility in tropical smallholder farms. However, that potential remains poorly quantified. To better understand the dynamics of soil organic carbon stocks and fertility, this study evaluated and compared 4 different smallholder indigenous agroforestry systems (i.e., Kihamba, Ginger, Miraba, and Mixed spices) in the northeastern volcanic and block mountains of Tanzania. Specifically, we compared old and young agroforestry systems in terms of soil organic carbon stocks and soil fertility (proxied by effective cation exchange capacity (eCEC)). In each agroforestry system, a network of old and young tree farm plots were selected for soil sampling at different depths and physico-chemical parameters were analyzed (soil organic carbon, texture, bulk density, pH-H2O, and eCEC). Our findings showed that there was no significant difference between young and old agroforestry systems in terms of soil organic carbon stocks, except in the Kihamba system on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. The highest soil carbon sequestering potential was found in the old Kihamba (located on Nitisols) compared to other systems on Acrisols. Young agroforestry in Ginger and Miraba appeared to have a higher capacity to sequester soil carbon than Mixed spices. Regarding eCEC levels, there was a significant difference between old and young agroforestry systems in both the Kihamba and Miraba system. At the 0–10 cm depth, the highest eCEC levels were found in young agroforestry for Kihamba, Miraba, and Mixed spices. Our results implied that specific management and restoration strategies should focus on optimizing soil fertility and carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in the South Pare and Usambara Mountains characterized by low-fertility Acrisols.

Agroforestry Practice and its Socioeconomic Benefits in Eastern Ethiopia

The study used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. It ascertained the role of agroforestry practices in Harari regional state. A sample of 350 farmers was interviewed and selected using two-stage random sampling techniques. The results showed that 100% of the sample respondents practiced agroforestry as a land use for income source, shade, soil improvement, fodder, firewood, construction material, medicinal purposes etc. The components of the agroforestry system adopted by the local community were pulse, root, cereal crops and vegetables. Khat, Eritia, Acacia, Cordial, Zeziphus were the fodder species used. 78.57% of the respondents used a stallfeeding technique to feed their animals. The respondents obtained annual income of 32,199.16 Ethiopian birrs on average. In general, the agroforestry system helps the local communities to diversify their income, fulfill animal feed and cope with and mitigate climate change. To sustain the local people with the climate change, decision-makers and researchers should give more attention to the preferred agroforestry species.

Soil Quality Indicators in Peasant Agroecosystems in Paraíba State, Brazil

Background and Research Aims: Soil quality (SQ) is the basis for the Sustainability of Peasant Farming Systems (PFS). We hypothesized that different land uses modify soil quality through changes that can be analyzed by determining the Soil Quality Index (SQI). Methods: Soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm layer in five subsystems of peasant agroecosystems located in the municipalities of Solânea (A), Casserengue (B), and Serraria (C). SQI was calculated using non-linear scoring, while a principal component analysis was performed using all data (bulk and particle density, total porosity, particle size, pH, macronutrients, and soil organic carbon) to determine a Minimum Data Set (MDS). Results: The MDS composed of P available, Ca+2, Al+3, sand, silt, H+Al, base saturation (BS%), and the aluminum saturation (AS%) indicate that these parameters can serve as indicators for soil quality assessment in peasant agroecosystems. Sand and silt are related to pedogenic processes and parent material, while the remaining indicators reflect management practices. Land conversion from forest to cropland decreased nutrient availability and soil organic matter in agroecosystems A (Arenosol) and B (Luvisol) and increased the cation exchange capacity in agroecosystem C (Lixisol). Conclusions: All agroecosystems showed low SQI values, highlighting the need to expand conservation practices in the studied agricultural subsystems, especially regarding the increase of soil organic matter. Our results contribute to improving the use and management of soils and the vulnerability assessment in peasant farming, an essential requirement for the sustainability of agroecosystems. Implications for Conservation: Our results also demonstrated that agroforestry practices can significantly increase soil quality and soil carbon sequestration, a viable alternative for maintaining organic matter in areas susceptible to degradation.

Assessing Farmers’ Perception of Agro-Forestry Practices in Gujarat, India

Assessing Farmers’ Perception of Agro-Forestry Practices in Gujarat, India

Agroforestry systems in Nepal: Enhancing food security and rural livelihoods – a comprehensive review

AbstractAgroforestry in Nepal is a multifaceted and sustainable approach that harmonizes agricultural, environmental, and socioeconomic goals. This study conducted a comprehensive review of agroforestry systems in Nepal, emphasizing their impact on food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. By bridging research gaps and highlighting environmental advantages, it provides valuable insights for evidence‐based policymaking, making it a significant resource for Nepal and beyond. The study employed a comprehensive desktop review methodology using a PRISMA Flow Diagram for data collection and utilized academic databases to include literature related to agroforestry practices, their impacts, and associated socioeconomic and environmental aspects. Agroforestry systems in Nepal offer a comprehensive approach to sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation while enhancing resilience to climate change. While these systems provide multiple benefits, including enhanced soil quality and increased carbon sequestration, they also face challenges related to technical knowledge and market access. To fully harness the potential of agroforestry and address food (SDG 2), and energy security, and land degradation, bridging the gap between researchers and farmers, promoting information dissemination, and establishing support mechanisms are essential. Aligning with government strategies and international initiatives can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Nepal's rural communities and environment.