Agroforestry, climate change mitigation and livelihood security in India

Abstract

Background: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has set a target for increasing forest cover from the present level of 23% of land area to 33% and agroforestry contributes to this target. Methods: The effect of agroforestry on carbon sequestration and livelihood security of people in India was reviewed. Also, a survey was conducted in two regions of West Bengal, one drought-prone and the other in a mountainous district, to assess the contribution of agroforestry to human well-being and livelihood security. Results: The average carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems is estimated to be 25t.ha-1 over 96 million ha but there is substantial regional variability. The survey showed that village communities are dependent on agroforestry systems for income, employment opportunities and livelihood security. An account is also given of Government forestry and tree-planting programmes that encourage the practice of silvipasture, agrisilviculture, and agrihorticulture in rain-fed and irrigated areas. Conclusions: Agroforestry systems offer opportunities for the improvement of the livelihood of poor people through provision of economic and environmental security.