Agroforestry systems, adaptation and resilience in agricultural landscapes: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Agroforestry systems can promote the resilience of food systems at different scales. In this paper, we studied their role in promoting resilience in rural landscapes, through bibliometric review, evaluating temporal evolution, main collaborations, research directions and future trends on this subject. Papers were obtained from Web of Science platform, between 2010 and 2023. We used performance analysis and scientific mapping as bibliometric procedures. We found 335 papers, published by 88 different countries. The journal Agroforestry Systems (8.92%) had the highest number of papers published. Institutions with most publications and citations, and higher h index were CGIAR and ICRAF. We found a strong environmental character in the science produced on agroforestry systems and resilience at a global level (47.46%), with climate change and family farming as central points (the most frequent terms were climate change, management, agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem services). In recent years, publications have widely addressed issues related to family farming. As the number of publications increased (2017–2023), researchers began to explore other topics, and economic, social, and cultural aspects began to appear in the studies, which may be related to a new paradigm shift towards multifunctional agricultural landscapes. Although developed countries had the most productivity and relevance, most of their studies were conducted in developing countries. We found that studies involving the relationship between agroforestry systems and resilience are predominantly theoretical essays, indicating the lack of studies with empirical evidence. This is the main gap to be considered in future studies, to advance and strengthen this field of knowledge.