PowerPoint Presentation

ONV7 No 3/17.

WHY SDG 15?. Forests cover nearly 31 per cent of our planet’s land area.

THE PROBLEM. Agricultural expansion continues to be the main driver of deforestation and forest degradation and the associated loss of forest biodiversity. Large-scale commercial agriculture (primarily cattle ranching and cultivation of soya bean and oil palm) accounted for 40 percent of tropical deforestation between 2000 and 2010, and local subsistence agriculture for another 33 percent..

THE SOLUTION. AGROFORESTRY.

WHAT IS AGROFORESTRY?. Agroforestry is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland. This diversification of the farming system initiates an agroecological succession, like that in natural ecosystems, and so starts a chain of events that enhance the functionality and sustainability of the farming system.

BENEFITS. 1. Biodiversity. Agroforestry provides a more diverse habitat than a conventional agricultural system in which the tree component creates ecological niches for a wide range of organisms both above and below ground. The life cycles and food chains associated with this diversification initiates an agroecological succession that creates functional agroecosystems that confer sustainability. A further contribution to biodiversity is that the germplasm of sensitive species can be preserved. As agroforests have no natural clear areas, habitats are more uniform. Furthermore, agroforests can serve as corridors between habitats..

2. Soil and plant growth. Depleted soil can be protected from soil erosion by groundcover plants such as naturally growing grasses in agroforestry systems. These help to stabilise the soil as they increase cover compared to short-cycle cropping systems. Soil cover is a crucial factor in preventing erosion. Cleaner water through reduced nutrient and soil surface runoff can be a further advantage of agroforestry. Trees can help reduce water runoff by decreasing water flow and evaporation and thereby allowing for increased soil infiltration. Compared to row-cropped fields nutrient uptake can be higher and reduce nutrient loss into streams. Further advantages concerning plant growth are bioremediation, drought resistance and increased crop stability..

3. Sustainable agricultural systems. Diversification of agricultural products, such as fuelwood, medicinal plants, and multiple crops, increases income security. Increased food security and nutrition by restored soil fertility, crop diversity and resilience to weather shocks for food crops Land restoration through reducing soil erosion and regulating water availability. Multifunctional site use, e.g., crop production and animal grazing. Reduced deforestation and pressure on woodlands by providing farm-grown fuelwood. Possibility of reduced chemicals inputs, e.g. due to improved use of fertiliser, increased resilience against pests ,and increased ground cover which reduces weeds . Growing space for medicinal plants e.g., in situations where people have limited access to mainstream medicines.

4. Carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration is an important ecosystem service. Agroforestry practices can increase carbon stocks in soil and woody biomass. Trees in agroforestry systems, like in new forests, can recapture some of the carbon that was lost by cutting existing forests. They also provide additional food and products. The rotation age and the use of the resulting products are important factors controlling the amount of carbon sequestered. Agroforests can reduce pressure on primary forests by providing forest products..

5. Adaptation to climate change. Agroforestry can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation along with adaptation benefits. A case study in Kenya found that the adoption of agroforestry drove carbon storage and increased livelihoods simultaneously among small-scale farmers. In this case, maintaining the diversity of tree species, especially land use and farm size are important factors. Especially in recent years, poor smallholder farmers turned to agroforestry as a means to adapt to climate change. A study from the CGIAR research program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) found from a survey of over 700 households in East Africa that at least 50% of those households had begun planting trees in a change from earlier practices. The trees were planted with fruit, tea, coffee, oil, fodder and medicinal products in addition to their usual harvest..

SING ALONG!. Life on land, a goal by united nations Which combats deforestation and land degradation Agriculture expansion makes a major contribution So what is the solution? Agroforestry is a management system Leading to biodiversification, growth of plantation, sustainable systems and climate change adaption!.

Thank you!.