Retreat From Multiculturalism?

To address the multifaceted challenge of sustainability posed by human interventions and climate change, the urgent need to harness agroforestry for biomass production, carbon sequestration, and the integration of the water-food-energy nexus has been recognized. This approach has not only provided innovative solutions but also highlighted the complexities and difficulties inherent in achieving sustainable development. This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive overview of research spanning 24 years, elucidating the role of agroforestry in mitigating climate change impacts, enhancing biomass provision, carbon sequestration, and optimizing the water-food-energy nexus. Various forms of agroforestry systems exhibit differing capacities to supply biomass and sequester carbon. In a study of a poplar-based agroforestry system, the dry biomass yield of poplar ranged from 69.90 to 207.98 Mg ha-1 aboveground and 13.46 to 36.69 Mg ha-1 belowground across five different planting geometries. The total carbon storage, encompassing both above and belowground biomass, varied among spacing configurations, with values of 112.48, 101.80, 84.87, 77.28, and 38.84 Mg C ha-1, respectively. Further, agroforestry (sapota-cowpea-castor) decreased soil loss and runoff by 37.7 and 19.1%, respectively, compared to sole crop cultivation. Similarly in another study, the Karanda (Carissa sp.) based agroforestry system with a mung bean-potato system achieved the highest net return (3529.1 US$ ha-1) and water use efficiency (33.0 kg ha-mm-1). The review synthesizes findings from diverse studies highlighting the multifunctional benefits of agroforestry systems across various geographical regions and agroecological contexts. Key themes explored include biomass production, carbon sequestration potential, and the intricate linkages between water, food, and energy security within agroforestry landscapes. Through a synthesis of empirical evidence, the review underscores the capacity of agroforestry to enhance ecosystem resilience, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and foster sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. Moreover, it examines the synergies and trade-offs inherent in agroforestry interventions, considering factors such as species selection, management practices, and socio-economic considerations. The review also identifies gaps in current knowledge and areas requiring further research attention, such as the scaling up of agroforestry practices, socio-economic impacts on local communities, and policy frameworks for mainstreaming agroforestry into national and international climate and development agendas. Overall, this review underscores the pivotal role of agroforestry as a holistic approach to achieving multiple SDGs, particularly in the face of climate change. By integrating biomass provision, carbon sequestration, and optimizing resource use through the water-food-energy nexus, agroforestry offers a sustainable pathway toward resilient and equitable development.

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