Economic valuation of agroforestry ecosystem services

Abstract

Agroforestry systems provide many ecosystem services that generate significant economic value to society. This chapter synthesizes current knowledge and methods on the economic valuation of ecosystem services, particularly those provided by agroforestry systems. We begin with a definition of ecosystem services from agroforestry. Common methods used to measure economic values are described and limitations are discussed. We surveyed estimated economic values of ecosystem services from agroforestry in the literature. Our review suggests that the economic valuation of ecosystem services provided by agroforestry has received limited attention. We outline suggestions for future assessment of the economic value of ecosystem services of agroforestry.