Trees and Shrubs on Farmland? Yes, It’s Good for the Crops and for the Planet

In the semi-arid drylands of Niger, agroforestry is saving the country from desertification and malnourishment. Ten years ago, remote sensing suggested that 5 million hectares had been regenerated. Today, it’s at least 10 million hectares.

In Agroforestry trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland. This ancient agricultural technique is gaining momentum in the Western world as agroforestry is now part of the European Green Deal. India spends billions of dollars promoting it. In the USA, agroforestry is key to a regenerative agriculture movement. Moreover, it’s been promoted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as a means to counter global warming.

Young farmers around the world are interested in agroforestry as the trees added to their systems provide additional income. It benefits farmers, biodiversity and the climate.