We Cannot Save Forests Without Agroforestry

In his speech to COP in Paris, Prince Charles said “We must save our forests” and that “There is no Plan B to tackle climate change without them.” While I agree our forests are vital, there is a Plan B that would save them – and mitigate climate change. It would also greatly reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

With the pressures to clear forest for the expansion of short-term and inefficient agriculture, Plan A is an impossible dream without Plan B which is agroforestry. Agroforestry rehabilitates degraded farm land of the tropics and sub-tropics so that crop yields are raised from their current 10-15% of their potential yield by improving soil fertility and agroecosystem health – removing the need to cut more forests down. Then by planting local highly-favoured, traditionally-important food trees – things like safou, marula, baobab, and hundreds of other tasty, nutritious and marketable fruits, nuts, and edible leaves, it allows farmers to generate income by the marketing of these products locally. In addition, new cottage industries processing and adding value to these products open up business and job opportunities for further income and improved household livelihoods.

Of course, this is the antithesis of conventional, modern agriculture and is not understood by policy-makers, but where it has been done it has been a huge success – see “Living with the Trees of Life – Towards the Transformation of Tropical Agriculture” (CABI, 2012). If you don’t believe me, ask the poor farmers of Africa! They understand 100% and make it abundantly clear when they apply to us (International Tree Foundation) for funding.

By, Prof Roger Leakey, ITF Vice Chair

Donate Today

Support communities on the front lines of the climate crisis to plant trees, restore ecosystems and improve their livelihoods.