10 January 2014: In a report, titled ‘Agroforestry Solutions to Address Food Security and Climate Change Challenges in Africa,’ the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) explores the potential of agroforestry, noting that while it can increase agricultural production in some circumstances, additional research is needed to establish the conditions under which a concrete link can be drawn between agroforestry and improved food security.

The report discusses the assumptions underlying the carbon sequestration benefits of agroforestry, noting that current research does not demonstrate how such benefits can be realized. The publication also addresses how increased forest cover can reduce local climate extremes, but highlights that additional research is needed to determine the conditions under which the maximum climate change adaptation benefits from agroforestry can be achieved.

The report also points out that additional research is particularly important if obstacles to agroforestry expansion, such as poor land use and the lack of government planning and oversight, are to be addressed. ICRAF is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [Publication: Agroforestry Solutions to Address Food Security and Climate Change Challenges in Africa] [ICRAF Press Release]