Towards strengthening agroforestry education in Southeast Asia

Key messages

With increased recognition of agroforestry as a means to address many pressing challenges — such as food insecurity, land degradation, dwindling natural resources and the climate crisis — demand for agroforestry experts is foreseeable yet the supply is lacking in Southeast Asia.

Agroforestry should be integrated and mainstreamed in tertiary education throughout Southeast Asia.

There are a growing number of universities engaged in agroforestry education programs in the region, which indicates increasing interest to engage with, and promote, agroforestry as a science and discipline.

Enrolment in agroforestry programs is declining. Limited employment opportunities for agroforestry graduates and lack of awareness of the field of agroforestry discourages increased enrolment.

Teaching staff and learning resources in agroforestry are limited. There is a mismatch between the integrated nature of agroforestry and the single expertise of academics.

Improving curricula and learning resources, enhancing student recruitment to agroforestry, ensuring job placement and strengthening support to agroforestry education, research and learning networks in the region are highly recommended.