Strengthening agroforestry in rural investments: Lessons learned and best practices from IFAD operations

Agroforestry integrates trees with crops and livestock, and is a vital strategy for sustainable, resilient and inclusive agriculture. This report assesses IFAD’s engagement in agroforestry, showcasing its potential to reduce poverty, enhance climate resilience and restore biodiversity.

Since 1988, IFAD has incorporated agroforestry into a growing number of projects, totalling 120 to date. These projects span diverse agroecological zones, including tropical, dryland and mountainous areas.

This report outlines key benefits for smallholder farmers, including increased profitability, food diversity, climate resilience and biodiversity, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It also acknowledges ongoing challenges that hinder the adoption of agroforestry systems, including a lack of robust incentives, technical support, financing mechanisms and strong policy frameworks. The report concludes with four recommendations to address these challenges.