Existing Agroforestry Systems Research Articles

Structure and Floristic Composition of Existing Agroforestry Systems in Allahabad District of Uttar Pradesh, India

The study on the Structure and Floristic Composition of Agroforestry Systems was conducted in the agricultural fields of Kashari village (site-I) and Korihar village (site-II) in Allahabad District, Uttar Pradesh, India, from 2008 to 2010. Quantitative characteristics of the vegetation were assessed using the quadrat method. Floristic diversity was examined through random sampling, with 20 quadrats of 10m x 10m each. Parameters such as density, frequency, abundance, Importance Value Index (IVI), species diversity, dominance concentration, species richness, equitability, and beta diversity were analyzed through basic arithmetic calculations for comparing different agroforestry systems. In each site, 20 quadrats of 10m x 10m were established to observe trees and shrubs. The vegetative structure of trees and shrubs in each site was evaluated for frequency, density, and abundance using expressions formulated by Curtis and McIntosh in 1950. The dominant tree species observed in both study sites was Acacia nilotica. Kashari site exhibited superior values in terms of Concentration of Dominance (Simpson Index), Equitability, Beta diversity, and Species diversity. However, Korihar site showed higher species richness.

Assessment of cultivation techniques and agroforestry systems on cinnamon (case study in Jaya Village, Tidore Island)

The cultivation technique attempts to modify the growing environment to be suitable for plant growth to achieve maximum and sustainable yields. At the same time, agroforestry design aims to improve the existing system by providing food agriculture directions based on physical, economic, and socio-cultural conditions. The method of the established system relates to pre-diagnosis and diagnostic activities that aim to find problems that exist in the system, followed by technological intervention to improve the system and determine the best agroforestry system in critical land conditions. The descriptive method was used in this research by identifying existing agroforestry systems. This study found three agroforestry systems: agrisilviculture, silvopasture, and agrosilvopasture. Cropping patterns generally use a randomly mixed. Cultivation techniques are still not optimal because they still rely on traditional gardens. Land suitability evaluation shows that, in general, the land suitability assessment for woody plants and annual crops is categorized as moderately suitable (S2). Agroforestry design on land cinnamon-based agroforestry is recommended for woody plant species; non-MPT species are more adaptable if grown on ridges; MPTs and annual crops are more directed at slopes and valleys, while secondary crops are better planted in the valleys.

Economic Analysis of Existing Agroforestry Systems Among Different Categories of Farmers in Tehsil Bangana of Una District of Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study was conducted to evaluate the existing agroforestry systems and their economic returns in Tehsil Bangana of Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India during the year 2019−2020. A total number of 324 farmers were selected randomly from three categories viz., marginal, small, and medium based on landholding capacity for survey and data collection. The data was collected through a pre-tested schedule for personal interviews with the head of each household and field sampling. The study revealed that five agroforestry system types prevalent among different categories of farmers namely: AS, AH, AHS, HP, and SP. The bioeconomic of the different systems was analyzed by calculating the cost of cultivation, gross returns per hectare, net returns per hectare, and benefit: cost ratio. The higher net returns of agroforestry systems among different farmers categories were observed in AS, small farmer’s category (` 1,51761), and lowest were observed in SP, marginal farmer’s category (` 5,999). Benefit: cost ratio of agroforestry systems among different farmers category was observed maximum in AH, medium farmer’s category (1.89) whereas, minimum benefit: cost ratio was recorded in SP, marginal farmer’s category (1.72). Irrespective of farmers category, maximum mean benefit: cost ratio (1.88) was recorded in AHS and minimum (1.72) was observed in the SP system. Hence the study represents the clear picture of economic analysis of existing agroforestry systems which will help the local peoples to fulfill their basic needs and the researchers to gain the benefit from the agroforestry.

Agroforestry systems and their impact on livelihood improvement of tribal farmers in a tropical moist deciduous forest in Bangladesh

This study investigates the composition of and preferences by farmers related to trees and crops planted in agroforestry systems, and their role on the livelihood of tribal farmers in a tropical moist deciduous forest in Tangail, Bangladesh. Data was collected from 150 tribal farmers practicing different types of agroforestry systems in Madhupur Sal forest, using a mixed-method strategy that included a survey, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and direct observation. According to the results, tribal farmers used a total of 22 trees and 33 crop species in their existing agroforestry systems, indicating a rich composition and high diversity. Acacia auriculiformis was the most common tree species (with 82% of farmers possessing this species), followed by Mangifera indica (75%), Acacia sp. (73%), and Gmelina arborea (54%). Interviews revealed that agroforestry systems have provided numerous benefits and greatly enhanced farmers’ livelihoods through better access to food, timber, fodder, and fuelwood and greater access to livelihood capitals (except social capital). Though agroforestry practices increase species diversity, provide economic returns, and help farmers maintain their livelihoods, tribal farmers face several constraints including bureaucracy and a lack of alternative market facilities. Our study can be of interest for future policy interventions focusing on sustainable reforestation practices, how to solve the problems faced by the farmers, and livelihood improvement in Bangladesh.

Evaluation of agroforestry systems viz-a-viz livelihood of farmers of Jammu

The study to investigate the socio-economic values of different land use systems and their impact on the livelihood of farmers was carried out in different blocks of Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir during 2019. Out of total 20 blocks of Jammu district, 10 blocks were delineated purposively having maximum rainfed area. Two villages were selected randomly from each selected block with 08 farmers/households randomly selected as respondents making a size of 160 respondents. A prestructured questionnaire was used for collecting the data from respondents. Two agroforestry systems namely; agrisilviculture and agro-silvo-pastoral were mainly identified in study area contributing 23% and 77% to the livelihood of the respondents respectively.The findings revealed that the overall economic returns from agri-silviculture system and agro-silvo-pastoral in study area in Jammu district were `164833 and `181820 respectively. The study further concluded that large part of population in the study area was dependent on agriculture as the main income generating component in existing agroforestry systems.

Modelling biodiversity responses to land use in areas of cocoa cultivation

Interest in economically and ecologically sustainable cocoa has grown in recent years. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems are promoted as a potential win-win option for long-term yields, multiple benefits, and the preservation of biodiversity. Yet, even though recent studies have shown such agroforests can support biodiversity, their value relative to natural areas and open-land systems is not fully known. We estimated the biodiversity intactness (BII) of different land uses associated with cocoa-driven land-use change using mixed-effects models. We distinguished between agroforests established under natural shade and those grown from open land, and compared these to intensively grown cropland (including cocoa monoculture), and primary and secondary forest. We found that species richness in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, under both natural and planted shade, was lower than in primary forests but higher than in open-land systems. However, we found that land-use history influenced the biodiversity intactness of agroforests: whilst open-land-derived cocoa-based agroforestry systems and forest-derived cocoa-based agroforestry systems share similar species richness, open-land-derived cocoa-based agroforestry systems have lower community similarity to primary forest than forest-derived cocoa-based agroforestry systems. The results highlight that high levels of BII can be sustained by retaining the natural shade in existing agroforestry systems, but also that incentivising planted shade agroforestry can enhance biodiversity intactness in degraded areas whilst delivering co-benefits. Importantly, the results highlight that cocoa planning seeking to achieve biodiversity benefits should consider the direction of land use and biodiversity transitions.

Socio-economic assessment of existing agroforestry systems in Bangana Tehsil of Una district, Himachal Pradesh

Socio-economic assessment of existing agroforestry systems in Bangana Tehsil of Una district, Himachal Pradesh

Enhancing Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contribution with Mitigation Targets for Agroforestry: A Technical and Economic Estimate

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of several non-Annex I countries mention agroforestry but mostly without associated mitigation target. The absence of reliable data, including on existing agroforestry practices and their carbon storage, partially constrains the target setting. In this paper, we estimate the mitigation potential of agroforestry carbon sequestration in Vietnam using a nationwide agroforestry database and carbon data from the literature. Sequestered carbon was estimated for existing agroforestry systems and for areas into which these systems can be expanded. Existing agroforestry systems in Vietnam cover over 0.83 million hectares storing a 1346 ± 92 million ton CO2 equivalent including above-, belowground, and soil carbon. These systems could be expanded to an area of 0.93–2.4 million hectares. Of this expansion area, about 10% is considered highly suitable for production, with a carbon sequestration potential of 2.3–44 million ton CO2 equivalent over the period 2021–2030. If neglecting agroforestry’s potential for modifying micro-climates, climate change can reduce the highly suitable area of agroforestry and associated carbon by 34–48% in 2050. Agroforestry can greatly contribute to Vietnam’s 2021–2030 NDC, for example, to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of the agriculture sector.

English

English

Quantification of Carbon Stocks and Sequestration Potential through Existing Agroforestry Systems in the Hilly Kupwara District of Kashmir Valley in India

Quantification of Carbon Stocks and Sequestration Potential through Existing Agroforestry Systems in the Hilly Kupwara District of Kashmir Valley in India

Editorial

This issue of Afrika Focus has 3 contributions on what might be termed domesti- cation and propagation of lesser known tree species from Central Africa. Gnetum africanum is a rich source of leaves that has become somewhat overharvested and is therefore threatened in its natural distribution environment. Dacryodes is an interesting fruit species that can easily be integrated into existing agroforestry systems in order to make the latter more resilient, and also provide a richer source of vitamins and proteins. Garcinia has medicinal value and is thus a profitable source of income for those farmers who grow it. A fourth article deals with the socio-economics of land tenure in a largely agricultural area in Cameroon. Recent economic development is exerting pressure on the people and their production environment, thus making secure rights over land a critical issue.

Structure and Floristic Composition of Existing Agroforestry Systems in Fatehpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India

The floristic-composition and structure study of existing agroforestry systems was carried out in the farmer’s fields of village Dariyapur (Site-I) and Alampur (Site-II) at Fatehpur district (Uttar Pradesh) during 2008-2010. The quantitative characteristics of vegetation were determined by the quadrat method. The floristic diversity study was made by adopting random sampling approach, under which, 20 quadrates of 10 m x 10 m were laid down. The density, frequency, abundance, IVI, Species –diversity, concentration of dominance, species-richness, equitability and beta diversity and other useful parameters for comparison of different types of existing agroforestry systems were analyzed by the simple arithmetic calculation. The study illustrated that Acacia nilotica was dominant in these sites with highest IVI values (24.91) in site- II (Alampur) lowest IVI values (22.04) in site- I (Dariyapur). Concentration of Dominance (Simpson Index) of tree species was higher in site -II (0.039) and lowest in site- I (0.032). Species diversity level among the tree species in site was observed and found higher in site-II (0.994) and lowest in site -I (0.934). Tree species equitability was same in site-I and site-II (0.055) while Beta-diversity was recorded highest in site –I (4.176) and lowest in site –II (3.944).Tree species-richness was recorded maximum in site –II (0.154) and minimum in site-I (0.149).

Agroforestry Systems as Habitat for Avian Species: Assessing Its Role in Conservation

In the current scenario of rapid conversion of tropical forests into human-dominated activities landscape, the present study was undertaken to understand the role of existing agroforestry systems in conservation of avian species. Three types of agroforestry systems namely tea gardens, homegardens and agrisilviculture were selected in the Brahmaputra North Bank Landscape of Assam, northeast India for the study. A total of 468 point counts revealed 164 bird species belonging to 51 families and 18 orders across all the three different types of agroforestry systems. Tea gardens showed significantly higher bird species richness followed by homegardens and agrisilviculture systems. As per IUCN, four species were categorized as Near Threatened and one species was categorized as Vulnerable. Out of 164 species recorded, 68.3% species were residents, 30.5% species were winter visitors and remaining were summer visitors (1.2%). Majority of the species (45.7%) were common to all the three types of selected agroforestry systems. The feeding guilds revealed that most of the species were insectivorous (50.0%) in habit. A total of 167 tree species belonging to 54 families and 24 orders was recorded across all the three different types of agroforestry systems. The highest tree species richness was recorded in the homegardens (160), followed by agrisilviculture systems (19) and least in tea gardens (11). No statistically significant correlation was found among bird species richness and patch size, tree species richness and number of bird species individuals. The selected agroforestry systems have provided shelter, nesting space, feeding and foraging grounds for birds during the winter season. This data can be useful for the policy makers, tea garden managers, homegarden owners for framing conservation policies of avian species in an era of natural wildlife habitat loss and degradation.

Estimating carbon sequestration potential of existing agroforestry systems in India

India launched National Agroforestry Policy on 10th February, 2014 which has the potential to substantially reduce poverty in rural India and revive wood based industry, besides integrating food production with environmental services. The policy is not only crucial to India’s ambitious goal of achieving 33 per cent forest and tree cover but also to mitigate GHG emissions from agriculture sector. Dynamic CO2FIX-v3.1 model has been used to estimate the carbon sequestration potential (CSP) of existing agroforestry systems (AFS) for simulation period of 30 years in twenty six districts from ten selected states of India. The observed number of trees on farmers’ field in these districts varied from 1.81 to 204 per hectare with an average value of 19.44 trees per hectare. The biomass in the tree component varied from 0.58 to 48.50 Mg DM ha−1, whereas, the total biomass (tree and crop) ranged from 4.96 to 58.96 Mg DM ha−1. The soil organic carbon ranged from 4.28 to 24.13 Mg C ha−1. The average estimated carbon sequestration potential of the AFS, representing varying edapho-climatic conditions, on farmers field at country level was 0.21 Mg C ha−1yr−1. At national level, existing AFS are estimated to mitigate 109.34 million tons CO2 annually, which may offsets one-third (33 %) of the total GHG emissions from agriculture sector.

Assessment of Carbon Storage Potential and Area under Agroforestry Systems in Gujarat Plains by Co2fix Model and Remote Sensing Techniques

Agroforestry is a traditional and ancient land use practice, having deliberate integration of trees with crop and livestock components. In India, agroforestry practices are prevalent in different agro-ecological zones and occupy sizeable areas. These practices have great potential for climate change mitigation through sequestration of atmospheric CO 2 . Carbon sequestration potential was studied in four districts of Gujarat (Anand, Dahod, Patan and Junagarh), for which field survey was conducted to collect primary data on existing agroforestry systems. The extent of agroforestry area in these districts was estimated by sub-pixel classifier using medium resolution remote sensing data (RS-2/LISS III). By sub-pixel classifier, the highest area under agroforestry was estimated in Dahod (12.48%) followed by Junagarh district (10.95%) with an average of 9.12%. Sapota ( Manilkara zapota ) based agroforestry was also mapped in Junagarh district, which occupied an area of 1.13%. An accuracy of 87.2% was found by sub-pixel classifier in delineation of sapota-based agroforestry in the district. Dynamic CO2FIX model has been used to estimate total carbon (biomass + soils) and net carbon sequestered in existing agroforestry systems. Net carbon sequestered over a simulated period of 30 years in Anand, Dahod, Patan and Junagarh districts was found to be 2.70, 6.26, 1.61 and 1.50 Mg C ha -1 respectively. Total carbon stock in all four districts for baseline and simulated period of 30 years was estimated to be 2.907 and 3.251 million tonnes respectively. Thus, agroforestry systems in Gujarat have significant potential in carbon storage and trapping atmospheric CO 2 into biomass and soils. Hence, CO2FIX model in conjunction with remote sensing techniques can be successfully applied for estimating carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in a district or a region.

Trees and agroforestry for coping with extreme weather events: experiences from northern and central Viet Nam

Although tree-based farming systems are often assumed to be “resilient” or “climate-smart” options, adoption is limited. It could be that the sensitivity of individual tree species to extreme weather events is poorly documented or new systems include unfamiliar species and technologies. This paper reports on initial results of an evaluation of farmers’ experiences with trees and crops for responding to major climatic exposures in 21 villages in northern and north-central Viet Nam. Our study assessed the suitability and roles of trees by analyzing data gathered through focus group discussions, workshops and a survey of 661 households. The results showed that a majority of households were exposed annually to what they perceived as natural hazards. Experiences with using trees for coping and adaptation depended on household income status, awareness and policies. In particular, farms with trees had shorter recovery time after most types of natural disasters, except for cold spells, demonstrating economic and environmental buffers. Many leaders were unfamiliar with agroforestry and mainly looking for economies of scale, hence oriented to land use rather than landscape planning. This indicates disconnects between farmers’ needs and policymakers’ priorities with respect to climate change adaptation strategies. Existing agroforestry systems reflected a transition from indigenous or current farming systems via changing to either new species or technologies rather than changing both at the same time. Gaps in current adaptation strategies and key areas for policy and research interventions are finally discussed.

Where matrix quality most matters? Using connectivity models to assess effectiveness of matrix conversion in the Atlantic Forest

Great interest has been devoted to understand how agricultural matrix managements affect species flux in the patchy landscapes and agroforestry systems are known to enhance connectivity for forest dwelling species. In the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, high degree of fragmentation makes the implementation or the conservation of the existing agroforestry systems keystone to connectivity conservation. We located places in the Atlantic Forest where agroforestry restoration is more effective in terms of connectivity conservation using a multi-scale approach. We conducted a large scale regional analysis to identify regions in which matrix conversion has larger effect on bird functional connectivity. Furthermore, we conducted two separate local analyses in the landscape which accounted for high restoration effectiveness in the regional analysis. One was the overlap with the Forest Code debt map to assess where and how much land-owners must restore as obligated by law. The second local analyses consisted in locating areas which least cost path trajectories density is larger within the selected landscape. Matrix restoration effort would be largely maximized by acting on specific places, and multi-scale and interdisciplinary models that account for the biological response of biodiversity and contextualizes under environmental laws will foster effective conservation policies.

Increasing Tree Cover in Degrading Landscapes: ‘Integration’ and ‘Intensification’ of Smallholder Forest Culture in the Alutilla Valley, Matiranga, Bangladesh

Abstract Research was conducted in Alutilla Valley in eastern Bangladesh to identify the nature of existing agroforestry systems and to identify potential agroforestry models that could ameliorate currently degrading forest resources Data were collected through farmer participatory research and a structured quarterly survey in two villages. Qualitative and supplementary quantitative analysis methods were used to assess the financial potential of agroforestry systems. Various patterns of agroforestry exist in the study site, but all have two common principles, namely ‘integration with agriculture’ and ‘multi-functionality’. Two agroforestry models suitable for adoption by farmers have been identified. Multi-strata agroforestry, based on a fruit and timber tree canopy with vegetables and tuber species in the understorey, can be practiced in the shifting cultivation fields near settlements. Fruit and timber tree-based conservation agroforestry is well suited to manage large-scale biologically depleted landscapes. Both systems yield early financial returns, facilitating the change from shifting cultivation to multi-strata agroforestry or fruit and tree-based conservation agroforestry.

Modeling analysis of potential carbon sequestration under existing agroforestry systems in three districts of Indo-gangetic plains in India

The Indo-gangetic plains (IGP) in India occupies 13 % of the total geographical area and produces 50 % of total food grain to feed 40 % population of the country. Dynamic CO2FIX model v3.1 has been used to assess the baseline (2011) carbon and to estimate the carbon sequestration potential (CSP) of agroforestry systems (AFS) for a simulation period of 30 years in three districts viz. Ludhiana (upper IGP in Punjab), Sultanpur (middle IGP in Uttar Pradesh) and Uttar Dinajpur (lower IGP in West Bengal) respectively. The estimated numbers of trees existing in farmer’s field on per hectare basis in these districts were 37.95, 6.14 and 6.20, respectively. The baseline standing biomass in the tree components varied from 2.45 to 2.88 Mg DM ha−1 and the total biomass (tree + crop) from 11.14 to 25.97 Mg DM ha−1 in the three districts. The soil organic carbon in the baseline ranged from 8.13 to 9.12 Mg C ha−1 and is expected to increase from 8.63 to 24.51 Mg C ha−1. The CSP of existing AFS (for 30 years simulation) has been estimated to the tune of 0.111, 0.126 and 0.551 Mg C ha−1 year−1 for Sultanpur, Dinajpur and Ludhiana districts, respectively. CSP of AFS increases with increasing tree density per hectare. Site specific climatic parameters like monthly temperature, annual precipitation and evapotranspiration also moderates the CSP of AFS. The preliminary estimates of the area under AFS’s were 2.06 % (3,256 ha), 2.08 % (6,440 ha) and 12.69 % (38,860 ha) in Sultanpur, Dinajpur and Ludhiana respectively.

PROSPECTIVA FINANCIERA DE LOS SISTEMAS AGROFORESTALES DE EL FORTÍN, MUNICIPIO DE ATZALAN, VER.

Agroforestry is an old land-use practice that has undergone significant change in the community of El Fortín, municipality of Atzalan, Veracruz. While the agroforestry systems once had a wide variety of components, they have been simplified into single-crop coffee, citrus fruit and banana systems, resul¬ting in an overuse of natural resources and increased poverty and migration. In light of this problem, this research analyzed the existing Agroforestry Systems (AFS) in the study area, using the Diagnosis and Design Methodology (D & D), in order to propose modifications and make new agroforestry design proposals. As a result, we proposed three new agroforestry systems, along with suggestions for better or new management practices. The species proposed are: gmelina (Gmelina arborea), allspice (Pi¬mienta dioica), soursop (Annona muricata), Mexican sarsaparilla (Smilax aristolochiaefolia), mountain immortelle (Erythrina poeppigiana) and signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens). These proposed chan¬ges are backed by ex-post and ex-ante financial assessments made for all systems studied for a 20- year period. We demonstrated through these assessments that these systems can provide additional income to reduce poverty and migration, plus conserve more natural resources in the study area. The ex-ante agroforestry systems (agrosilvicultural and silvopastoral) exceeded by more than 80 % the net income obtained by the ex-post systems.