Book Description
ABSTRACT: In recent years, carbon (C) sequestration potential of agroforestry systems has attracted attention, especially following Kyoto Protocol's recognition of agroforestry as an option for mitigating green house gasses. Although the possible benefits of agroforestry in carbon (C) sequestration have been conceptually discussed, field measurements to validate these concepts have not been undertaken to any significant extent. In addition to the traditional agroforestry systems, improved practices and technologies are now being expanded into the dry regions such as the West African Sahel for perceived benefits such as arresting desertification, reducing water and wind erosion hazards, and improving biodiversity. Thus, it is imperative to investigate C sequestration potential of agroforestry practices in these regions. My research hypothesizes that the tree-based systems will retain more C in the systems both above- and below-ground than tree-less land-use systems. By joining the C credit market, the landowners could sell the C sequestered in their agroforestry systems. My research consisted of three components. The first examined C (biomass + soil) stored in five target land-use systems: two traditional parkland systems involving Faidherbia albida and Vitellaria paradoxa trees as the dominant species, two improved agroforestry systems (live.