Climate risk adaptation by smallholder farmers: the roles of trees and agroforestry

Smallholder farmers are vulnerable to environmental, climate
and weather-related stress, including climate change. There is
an increase in understanding of the benefits of agroforestry
systems both at farm and landscape scales, and that
incorporating trees on farms through agroforestry systems has
emerged as having the potential to enhance the resilience of
smallholders to current and future climate risks including future
climate change. Drawing on global examples with a focus on
African case studies, this paper demonstrates the versatile
roles of trees and agroforestry in reducing smallholder’s
exposure to climate-related risks. It goes on to identify
challenges in the promotion and adoption of agroforestry at the
farm and landscape levels as a climate change adaptation
strategy. The paper highlights areas for further research, policy
and dissemination efforts, and identifies entry points for
agroforestry adoption.