A Systematic Review on the Role of Agroforestry Practices in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Abstract

Agroforestry practices play a pivotal role in addressing the dual challenges of climate change mitigation and adaptation. This systematic review synthesizes quantitative and qualitative evidence from 109 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024, identified through comprehensive searches in databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on studies providing empirical data on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, carbon sequestration, and the resilience of farming systems, whereas conceptual papers and non-reviewed sources were excluded. A subset of 109 studies was subjected to meta-analysis to derive pooled estimates of key indicators. Results indicate that agroforestry systems can sequester an average of 3.5–9.8 Mg CO₂ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, depending on tree species, soil type, and climatic conditions. Additionally, meta-analytic synthesis reveals that the integration of trees with crops and livestock can enhance on-farm biodiversity by 25%–40% and improve soil organic carbon content by an average of 15% over two decades. Adaptation benefits include enhanced water retention, reduced vulnerability to drought, and improved food security, with yield increases of up to 30% in agroforestry-based systems compared to monocropping. However, challenges such as land tenure insecurity and limited access to technical support persist, potentially hindering wider adoption. This review underscores the need for supportive policies, such as those embedded in the Bonn Challenge, REDD+ initiatives, and the UNFCCC's Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, along with capacity-building initiatives and financial incentives to unlock the full climate-smart potential of agroforestry.