An Overview of Trees in Smallholder Farmers' Agricultural Landscapes: A Case Study from Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Many developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, have focused on improving agricultural production at the farm level. Governments have implemented agricultural policies and acts to support various initiatives aimed at generating secure and affordable food for low- and middle-income populations. However, these policies can sometimes lead to more homogeneous landscapes, reducing the diversity of accessible food. As global demand for food increases, farmers are expanding their crops and livestock into new areas. Yet, the inclusion of trees in agricultural landscapes is crucial for maintaining diversity. The objective of this study was to synthesize the benefits of incorporating trees in smallholder farming systems in sub-Sahara Africa. Therefore, the study found increasing evidence that trees can enhance welfare among rural farming households, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa. Incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes offers numerous benefits, including improved household nutrition and food security through enhanced crop yields and diversified diets. These practices also support income generation and livelihood diversification, providing farmers with additional sources of revenue. Moreover, trees contribute to environmental benefits and ecosystem services such as soil fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration, which are crucial for climate change adaptation and resilience. Additionally, integrating trees fosters the preservation of cultural and traditional knowledge, while promoting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, ultimately creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. Moreover, integrating trees into farming landscapes can help address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2—' No Poverty' and 'Zero Hunger'—by increasing crop yields. This study recommends enhanced awareness campaigns for incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes.