Achieving mitigation and adaptation to climate change through sustainable agroforestry practices in Africa

Summary

This narrative review synthesises evidence on agroforestry's dual contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation across African farming systems. The authors argue that agroforestry offers a practical pathway for smallholder farmers to enhance soil fertility, diversify income sources (including from carbon and wood energy), and build adaptive capacity whilst simultaneously reducing pressure on natural forests and contributing to atmospheric CO₂ reduction. The work positions agroforestry as a land use system particularly relevant to the livelihoods and climate security of poor farming communities in Africa.

Regional applicability

This study focuses on African agroforestry systems and their applicability to smallholder farming contexts in Africa. Whilst some agroforestry principles (soil improvement, carbon storage, diversified income) are universally relevant, direct transferability to United Kingdom farming is limited: UK farming operates in a temperate climate with different tree species, established markets, and different smallholder demographics. However, UK policy interest in nature-based climate solutions and soil health may find methodological relevance in the integration of trees with farming systems.

Key measures

Carbon sequestration potential, soil fertility improvement, wood energy production, ecosystem services, livelihood outcomes for smallholder farmers, greenhouse gas mitigation in AFOLU sector

Outcomes reported

The paper examines how agroforestry practices simultaneously achieve climate change mitigation (via carbon sequestration and reduced deforestation pressure) and on-farm adaptation (through improved soil fertility, local climate enhancement, and livelihood diversification). It synthesises recent evidence on agroforestry's role in AFOLU-related mitigation pathways and smallholder farmer resilience in Africa.

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