Agroforestry delivers a win-win solution for ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa. A meta-analysis

Abstract

Agricultural landscapes are increasingly being managed with the aim of enhancing the provisioning of multiple ecosystem services and sustainability of production systems. However, agricultural management that maximizes provisioning ecosystem services can often reduce both regulating and maintenance services. We hypothesized that agroforestry reduces trade-offs between provisioning and regulating/maintenance services. We conducted a quantitative synthesis of studies carried out in sub-Saharan Africa focusing on crop yield (as an indicator of provisioning services), soil fertility, erosion control, and water regulation (as indicators of regulating/maintenance services). A total of 1106 observations were extracted from 126 peer-reviewed publications that fulfilled the selection criteria for meta-analysis of studies comparing agroforestry and non-agroforestry practices (hereafter control) in sub-Saharan Africa. Across ecological conditions, agroforestry significantly increased crop yield, total soil nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and available phosphorus compared to the control. Agroforestry practices also reduced runoff and soil loss and improved infiltration rates and soil moisture content. No significant differences were detected between the different ecological conditions, management regimes, and types of woody perennials for any of the ecosystem services. Main trade-offs included low available phosphorus and low soil moisture against higher crop yield. This is the first meta-analysis that shows that, on average, agroforestry systems in sub-Saharan Africa increase crop yield while maintaining delivery of regulating/maintenance ecosystem services. We also demonstrate how woody perennials have been managed in agricultural landscapes to provide multiple ecosystem services without sacrificing crop productivity. This is important in rural livelihoods where the range of ecosystem services conveys benefits in terms of food security and resilience to environmental shocks.

Sustainability issues in a tropical mega trail

“…Agroforestry systems connecting forest remnants may provide an alternative that will promote connectivity between populations of many species [ 73 ] and socioeconomic benefits for farmers or local residents. Agroforestry has the potential to reduce poverty and improve food security while addressing land degradation and supporting the delivery of other ecosystem services [ 74 ]. Trails along the AFT may also be connected by agrosytems or rural landscapes with biodiversity-friendly initiatives, promoting ecotourism.…”

Land, Climate, Energy, Agriculture and Development in the Sahel: Synthesis Paper of Case Studies Under the Sudano-Sahelian Initiative for Regional Development, Jobs, and Food Security

“…Agroforestry is the integration of trees in agriculture systems (Bayala et al, 2002). It is an approach that aims to achieve high levels of productivity by harnessing ecosystem services provided by trees (Kuyah et al, 2019), while at the same time contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Agroforestry is one of the examples of technologies that have been successfully used for soil and water conservation across the Sahel region.…”

Evaluation de la fertilité des sols et les rendements de cotonnier, maïs et sorgho à >Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex. Walp

“…Les systèmes de culture en couloire avec G. sepium et l'application de sa biomasse comme paillis produit à partir de celui-ci peuvent aider à maintenir et à améliorer les caractéristiques physiques et chimiques des sols (Smethurst et al, 2017, Diouf et al, 2008;Kuyah et al, 2019). Les avantages des systèmes de culture en couloir dans l'agriculture des écosystèmes arides sont si importants qu'il est surprenant de constater que le faible taux d'adoption et de développement de ce système agricole justifie une étude plus approfondie (Luedeling et al, 2016).…”