Agroforestry: The green revolution that can empower farmers and save our planet

📅 Published: August 26, 2025

📰 Source: thestandard

Curated by AllZimNews.com

In this context, agroforestry – the integration of trees and shrubs with crops and livestock – emerges not as an experimental idea but as a proven solution that combines food production with environmental restoration.

Agroforestry is much more than just planting trees on farms.

It represents a holistic farming system that strengthens resilience, enhances productivity, and provides multiple benefits that go beyond agriculture.

For farmers, it opens new streams of income and improves food security.

For the planet, it means healthier soils, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity preservation.

Simply put, agroforestry is a win-win approach, aligning ecological sustainability with economic empowerment.

Trees act as natural windbreakers, protecting crops from harsh weather.

Their roots stabilize the soil while their foliage enriches it with organic matter.

By shading crops and livestock, trees moderate microclimates, reducing the risk of heat stress on animals and crop failure in times of drought.

Economically, the impact is equally impressive.

Studies estimate that annual income from higher yields alone could increase by US$100–300 per hectare.

On top of this, diversified earnings from timber, fruits, nuts, fodder, medicinal plants, and other tree-based products could add anywhere from US$200 to US$2,000 per hectare over time.