International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Amit Kumar Shukla, SK Ghosh and Ankita Sagar

abstract
Agroforestry systems hold significant potential for sustainable land use management in India, especially in the context of addressing soil erosion, improving soil health, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering resilient agricultural systems. The world’s population has been rapidly increasing, putting additional strain on land. Agricultural intensification and farm consolidation have resulted in significant standardization of farming techniques and agro-diversity during the last few decades. As a result, a diverse agroforestry system has arisen to provide resilience under limited water conditions while also increasing production and profitability. Agroforestry is thought to be a significant tool and future of global land use for improving rural people’s livelihoods, safeguarding ecosystems, and assuring food security through sustainable ways. It can be understood as a one of the best dynamic, ecologically sound structure for natural resource management involving the integration of tree species on farms in agricultural landscapes. This contributes to the diversification and sustainability of production, boosting economic, environmental, and social advantages. Cultivating trees and agricultural crops in close proximity to one another is an ancient method employed by farmers all over the world. The increasing interest in agroforestry, particularly in rainfed regions, underscores its potential as an ecologically-based natural resource management approach. By integrating trees with agricultural and rangeland systems, agroforestry promotes multifunctional benefits—social, economic, and environmental—making it a cornerstone for sustainable development. This system provides solutions to the mounting pressures of land degradation, food insecurity, and climate change, offering a promising means to meet the growing demands for food, fuel, fodder, and timber. Agroforestry not only enhances productivity by creating favorable microclimates for both trees and understory crops but also supports biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. The integration of agroforestry systems such as agri-silviculture, silvopastoral, and agri-silvopastoral further enhances ecosystem services while promoting sustainable land management practices. In the face of escalating resource demands and environmental challenges, agroforestry presents an innovative solution that optimizes the use of land, agriculture, forests, and grasslands, contributing significantly to both ecological restoration and food security.