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Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy

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We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Publication | 2021

Climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture: Why agroforestry should be part of the solution

Global Food and Nutrition Security

Agroforestry systems include a diversity of practices ranging from the complex associations found in homegardens or agroforests to simpler systems such as alley crops, parklands, silvopastures, riparian plantings or hedgerows. This special issue will gather original contributions surrounding the potential of agroforestry systems to play a significant role in achieving the 4 per 1000 goal in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience of agriculture, and food security, in both temperate and tropical regions. Specifically, this Special Issue will gather field-based research focused on how, and to which extent, agroforestry systems could 1) build soil organic matter and soil fertility, sequester carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; 2) improve microclimate, water-use efficiency and storage and nutrient cycling; 3) promote natural pest and disease control through enhanced biodiversity; and 4) enhance the resilience of farming systems by providing diversified goods such as fodder, fuelwood, food and building materials, and generate greater income through diversified food sources, contributing to food security. In depth studies on farmers' and policy makers' perceptions of the role of agroforestry as a way to adapt to or mitigate climate change are also encouraged.