Preface

Forests absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the tissues of the plants. Because forest soils typically have a lot of soil organic matter, they are one of the most important carbon sinks. However, in our rush to develop and produce more food, we have reduced the amount of forest cover. Reduced forest cover has resulted in increased global warming and climate change, both of which are impacting crop production and human life. Cyclones, polluted air, receding glaciers, and erratic rainfall are all common occurrences. Agricultural production is necessary, but it must be done in harmony with the environment. This is possible if we can use agroforestry to mimic the forest on farmlands. Agroforestry is the production of food, fodder, timber, fiber, and other products in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner. These systems are also appropriate for small landholders who are primarily cultivators. This book was designed to share success stories and agroforestry techniques for small landholders for climate change resiliency and mitigation. This book is divided into six chapters, each of which discusses climate change and agroforestry from the perspective of various authors from around the world.

The first chapter discusses *Dusung*, a humid tropic traditional agroforestry practiced in Indonesia. The researchers estimated the traditional agroforestry system's sustainability index and divided it into four categories/sustainability indices. Traditional agroforestry is used for economic, ecological, and socio-cultural purposes as well as for greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation through carbon sequestration. These sustainability indices can assist in the development of agroforests. The development of agroforests with low sustainability index values can be prioritized.

The second chapter discusses traditional agroforestry systems and their contribution to biomass and carbon stock at various altitudes. The research was conducted at altitudes ranging from 286 to 2800 meters above mean sea level. Agrisilviculture, agrihorticulture, and agri-horti-silviculture are three common agroforestry systems that have been studied. The chapter authors quantify the biomass and carbon stock of each component and system. They also summarize the best agroforestry system and trees for biomass production and carbon stock based on their research.

The role of Zimbabwe's small landholder's agroforests is the subject of the third chapter. The chapter discusses the depletion of forest resources because of deforestation in Zimbabwe, as well as its impact on the climate. The chapter promotes the use of a landscape approach to climate change adaptation. According to the author, agroforestry is a compelling option available to small landholders in Zimbabwe as a nature-based intervention against climate change.

The fourth chapter looks at potential climate-smart farming practices that could help farmers adapt to local climate change and variability in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The chapter also discusses field studies on Moringa oleifera and Vachellia karroo conducted in the province, as well as their potential as a feed source for livestock farmers.

The fifth chapter discusses the benefits of agroforestry in terms of combating land degradation. Agroforestry plays a role in soil moisture conservation, water quality improvement, soil health management, soil fertility, soil conservation, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem services and thereby helps with land improvement.

The final chapter begins with a discussion of farm forestry and climate as well as information on the carbon storage potential of various agroforestry systems. The policy on agroforestry in various countries is compiled in this chapter, as are the activities being undertaken to promote agroforestry. There is also a discussion of the implications of agroforestry policy reforms. There are also three case studies on agroforestry in Niger, China, and Indonesia.

This book provides an overview of the various small agroforestry systems that exist around the world and are maintained and managed by small landholders. These agroforestry systems benefit landowners by providing a source of income while also sequestering carbon, making them a cost-effective tool for combating climate change. We believe that researchers, agroforesters, and students will find this book useful in their research and extension efforts.
