Agroforestry (AF) is a dynamic, ecologically based, natural resources management system that, by integrating trees on farms, ranches, and in other landscapes, diversifies and increases production and promotes social, economic, and environmental benefits for land users. Further, it is receiving increasing attention as a sustainable land-management option worldwide because of its ecological, economic, and social attributes. Advances have been achieved by building on past research accomplishments and expanding AF’s stakeholder base, which now includes private/public partnerships, communities, ecologists, farmers, indigenous peoples, and policymakers in both temperate and tropical countries.
AF has now been recognized as a valuable problem-solving approach to ensuring food security and rebuilding resilient rural environments. Recent studies have shown that more than 1 billion hectares of agricultural land have more than 10% tree cover. Of this area, 160 million hectares have more than 50% tree cover. Agricultural ecosystems can be further improved through AF to achieve environmental restoration, greater farm productivity, and key ecological services, including climate change mitigation and adaptation for improved rural livelihood. In fact, it is largely considered synonymous with climate smart agriculture and a remedy for many modern environmental challenges. Consequently, AF’s knowledge base is being expanded at a rapid rate, as illustrated by the increasing number and quality of scientific publications on various forms and different aspects of AF.
This book offers state-of-the-art information on the fundamental concepts and history of AF and its evolution as a science, presenting a wealth of advanced research results and evaluations relating to different aspects of AF. Accordingly, it will be useful for a broad readership, including students, foresters, farmers, local communities, indigenous peoples, civil society institutions, media, policymakers and the general public.
Author Biography:
Dr Jagdish Chander Dagar has published more than 280 research papers in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and papers in proceedings of conferences/symposia; has authored or edited 12 books; and has written more than 50 popular articles. He was the Assistant Director General at the headquarters of ICAR and Emeritus Scientist. His research interests are in the areas of biosaline agriculture, agroforestry, management of natural resources, rehabilitation of degraded lands, biodrainage, ethnobotany, plant ecology, climate change, sustainable agriculture and policy. In recognition of his research contributions, Dr Dagar has been conferred with several awards and honors: the Sajjad Memorial Gold Medal, the ICAR’s Hari Om Asharam Trust Award, UGC’s Swami Pranavananda Saraswati National Award, CSSRI Excellence Award on Soil Salinity & Water Management, Bharat Excellence Award & Gold Medal, and Dr KG Tejwani Award for Excellence in Agroforestry Research & Development. Further, he is a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Fellow & Life Member of several other professional societies. He is Chief Editor of the journal Soil Salinity & Water Quality.
Dr. V.P. Tewari is a scientist at the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun (an autonomous council under the Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India) and is presently working as Director of the Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla. He also worked as an FAO fellow for one year (1995 to 1996) at the Institute of Forest Management and Yield Science, University of Goettingen (Germany). He was awarded the Brandis Prize in 1998 by the Indian Forester for publishing the most outstanding paper in the field of Silviculture & Forest Management. He has authored over 70 research papers in various peer-reviewed international journals and has three edited books to his credit. He has also presented 38 papers at various International & National Conferences and Workshops. Lastly, he has served as a National Subject Matter Coordinator on 'Forest Biometrics' at the ICFRE, and is listed in the UNCCD Roster of Experts from India.
