GHGs Reduction Capacity of Agroforestry Systems in Tropical Africa: A Review

Abstract

The main crucial agroforestry systems (AFS) of tropics Africa are homestead, woody species planting, multistory dwelling and spread the woody plants. Traditional AFS interaction is important for shading Coffee tree, improving soil fertility, climate regulation, alternative income source, and reducing the pressure on natural forests. These systems are important for ecological balance and human wellbeing. This review was aimed to explore the capacity of AFS for reduction of GHGs from atmosphere and mitigate climate change in tropical Africa. AFS has sequestered significant amount of CO2 and reduced GHGs sink from the atmosphere. Several research reports were recognized as AFS has been substantially carbon-capturing from the atmosphere compared to the mono-crops, dry woodlands, andor pasture land. In tropical Africa region AFS has been estimated to 2.11 × 1091 Mg C yr-1 of aboveground biomass carbon sequester. Multi-strata AFS was reported highest (16-36 Mgt ha-1 yr-1) amount of carbon sequestration. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock of fruit-coffee, coffee-enset and enset system agroforestry systems were estimated 186.41 Mg ha-1, 178.8 Mg ha-1 and 177.8 Mg ha-1 respectively at 0-60 cm soil depth. According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and several research results, nowadays AFS development was one of well rcognized to climate change mitigation strategy. Multipurpose tree management on farm land and grazing land is strongly recommended for increased GHG emission reduction capacity of AFS in tropics.