Agroforestry

Definition of Agroforestry

Agroforestry is a land management system that intentionally integrates trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock on the same area of land to create productive, resilient, and ecologically balanced farming systems. By combining woody perennials with agricultural production, agroforestry harnesses natural interactions between plants, soils, animals, and climate to deliver both economic and environmental benefits.

Rather than separating forestry and farming, agroforestry treats trees as an active component of agricultural systems, contributing to soil fertility, microclimate regulation, biodiversity, and diversified farm income.

Why Agroforestry Matters

Agroforestry matters because it addresses multiple agricultural and environmental challenges simultaneously. Key benefits include:

• Improved soil health through leaf litter, root systems, and reduced erosion

• Enhanced biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife and beneficial species

• Climate resilience and mitigation via carbon sequestration and microclimate regulation

• Diversified farm income from timber, fruit, nuts, fodder, and ecosystem services

• Improved livestock welfare through shade and shelter

• Water regulation by improving infiltration and reducing runoff

Agroforestry supports sustainable food systems by increasing productivity while strengthening ecosystem function.

Key Principles of Agroforestry

• Integration – Designing systems where trees, crops, and livestock coexist productively

• Diversity – Using multiple species to enhance resilience and reduce risk

• Ecological Function – Leveraging natural processes such as nutrient cycling and pest regulation

• Spatial and Temporal Design – Managing plant arrangements and growth stages over time

• Soil and Water Conservation – Protecting land through root structure and canopy cover

• Long-Term Productivity – Planning for multi-year and multi-decade benefits

• Economic Viability – Balancing ecological gains with farm profitability

Related Terms

• Agroecology

• Sustainable Agriculture

• Regenerative Agriculture

• Forestry

• Biodiversity

• Soil Conservation

Useful Resources on Agroforestry

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about agroforestry systems, design principles, and environmental benefits:

• FAO – Agroforestry Systems – Global guidance on agroforestry practices, policies, and case studies.

• World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) – Leading international research organisation focused on agroforestry and land restoration.

• USDA – Agroforestry – Technical assistance, design guides, and funding programmes for agroforestry systems.

• DEFRA – Agroforestry and Woodland Integration (UK) – Policy guidance and support for integrating trees into farmland.

• European Agroforestry Federation (EURAF) – Research, policy advocacy, and best practice resources across Europe.

• AGRIS – Agroforestry Research Database – Peer-reviewed scientific literature on agroforestry systems worldwide.

• Soil Association – Agroforestry and Trees on Farms – Practical guidance for sustainable farming and tree integration.

• IPCC – Land Use and Climate Reports – Scientific assessments covering agroforestry’s role in climate mitigation and adaptation.

• The Agroforestry Research Trust - a non-profit making charity, registered in England, which researches and educates about agroforestry and perennial crops.