26 compelling agroforestry case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America

Tropenbos International shares its latest publication, “Agroforestry at Work”. 

By Patrick Worms, President of the International Union for Agroforestry

As President of the International Union of Agroforestry (IUAF), I am honoured to introduce this compendium of knowledge — a collection of 26 studies meticulously curated by Tropenbos International. This volume showcases the manifold advantages of agroforestry and testimony to the transformative potential it holds for our planet and its people.

The journey through the pages of this book mirrors the global trajectory of agroforestry, its roots deeply embedded in regions as diverse as Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia.

At the heart of our exploration lies the growing evidence of agroforestry’s prowess in addressing critical global challenges — carbon mitigation, soil rejuvenation, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. It is a story of trees, crops and livestock working in harmony, demonstrating that sustainability can be both a lofty ideal and a pragmatic and rewarding reality.

Zooming through the three regional sections, a kaleidoscope of experiences unfolds. Each study provides a window into the lived realities of farmers, their families and communities. These investigations, conducted at scales ranging from the familial to the global market, paint a nuanced picture of agroforestry’s successes and challenges.

Crucially, they underscore the importance of gender dynamics, revealing how the benefits of agroforestry flow through diverse channels, fostering resilience and prosperity among both men and women.

What unites these studies is an unyielding curiosity—an earnest exploration fueled by the promise that agroforestry holds. A promise not only to boost incomes and protect against life’s uncertainties but also to confront some of the most formidable challenges of our time.

The hope that permeates these pages is palpable—slowly but surely, agroforestry is gaining acceptance among farmers, policymakers, and private-sector players alike. The challenge before us is accelerating its adoption, mindful of the multitude of agroforestry variations and the imperative to tailor them to local contexts, ensuring they fulfil the promise they bear.

May this book inspire, inform, and ignite the flame of agroforestry’s promise, illuminating the path towards a future where nature and agriculture dance in tandem, nurturing tomorrow’s harvest!

Download “Agroforestry at Work” here: https://www.tropenbos.org/resources/publications/agroforestry+at+work