Agroforestry: A Supplementary Method for Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation in current era of increasing global climate change and rapid land degradation is a major challenge globally. Agroforestry is an important land use system addressing biodiversity conservation and enhancing social and environmental goals. However, there is scarcity of empirical evidence on contributions of agroforestry for conservation of biodiversity and reduction of CO2 emission. This paper aimed to provide empirical information on the role of agroforestry for conservation of flora and fauna biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The result revealed agroforestry has contributed huge role in conservation of fauna and flora diversity and mitigation of CO2 than open cereal based agriculture. Trees in agroforestry are the important component in conservation and mitigation of climate change effects. Binding CO2 through biomass and soil, reducing other causes for CO2 emission such as deforestation and microclimate modification are major climate change mitigation actions. Provision of numerous other ecosystem services to people and their agroecosystem such as provisioning services (shelter, food, fodder, etc.), regulating services (pest and diseases control, modification of microclimate, reducing wind effect, etc.) and supporting services (nutrient cycling) help them build the resilience towards changing climate effects. Hence, responsible bodies must consider the huge potential of agroforestry in their conservation and climate change mitigation and adaption strategy.