Agroforestry for rural economic empowerment and food security: A review

Abstract

Agroforestry systems promote multiple crops, enhancing food availability and nutritional diversity. They also improve soil fertility and support local economies, contributing to community welfare. Agroforestry trees can improve food security for farmers experiencing wildlife crop raiding, as 56% of participants reported that agroforestry can provide both income and food. Tree density positively correlated with food security, with a small fraction of farmers relying on tree income as a safety net. Research on agroforestry practices should be disseminated to rural farmers, and government policies and research institutes should encourage farmers to adopt these strategies for food security and zero hunger. Agroforestry has been a significant contributor to rural economic upliftment, particularly in areas like Kenya, Sumatra-Indonesia, Northern Ethiopia, and homegarden agroforestry. These systems have shown positive impacts on rural farmers' livelihoods, with studies showing a 30% monthly income increase from selling agroforestry products. Challenges such as inadequate access to resources, environmental factors while inadequate markets and lack of market infrastructure limit farmers' ability to sell their produce. Issues such as wildlife destruction, pests, diseases, and crop failure also pose significant threats to agroforestry systems, leading to reduced productivity. Despite these challenges, agroforestry can provide socio-economic benefits such as tree products and income, bolstering the rural economy and promoting sustainable livelihoods.