Book Description

"Agroforestry is a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resources management system that, through the integration of trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains production for increased social, economic and environmental bene¬fits for land users at all levels (ICRAF). Yet it is still considered a peripheral activity of agriculture and many farmers and other land users are ignorant of its benefi¬ts. This paper is a guide for policy-makers, advisers and other technocrats who wish to include agroforestry in the national agenda. It aims to assist countries to develop policy, legal and institutional conditions that facilitate the adoption of agroforestry and recognize its contribution to national development. Part I explains the benefi¬ts of agroforestry systems, the necessary conditions for its development, the barriers that have prevented its adoption so far, and the drivers, contextual and internal, that make it possible. Part II outlines 10 tracks for policy action, which if followed correctly will facilitate the development of national policies designed to promote the agroforestry concept and practices at plot, farm and landscape scale. Illustrated with case studies and examples of good practice from around the world, these guidelines are an invaluable addition to the agroforestry global agenda."--Page 4 of cover.