Contribution of Agroforestry Practices in Adaptation to Climate Change

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to investigate the contribution of agroforestry practices in adaptation to climate change. Methodology: This study employed a systematic review of the literature as its research methodology in answering the research questions. Inclusion criteria was used to give relevance to this work. Data collection primarily involved examining existing research and documents to gather information and synthesize findings on the importance of agroforestry in adaptation to climate change. Data analysis involved grouping findings from multiple studies to address a research question, using qualitative method. Findings: The role of agroforestry in climate change adaptation are: increasing tree-crop diversification that’s leads to more carbon storage, generation of multiple livelihood and environmental benefits, key in reducing carbon emissions and achieving the Paris Agreement targets, offers greater economic stability and reduced risk under climate change by creating more diversified enter­prises with greater income distribution over time, providing habitat that offers a range of microclimate and resources, increasing landscape connectivity for spe­cies to migrate as climate changes, providing other ecosystem services, such as erosion control and water quality protec­tion. protec­tion, that prevent the degradation and loss of surrounding habitat, can reduce air pollution and enhance both warming and cooling of the atmosphere, creating a resilient microclimate for crops and livestock, enhances water security through improved infiltration to soils and groundwater protecting water catchments and watersheds. , and can be a suitable land management system to reduce gender inequalities related to natural resource access, while contributing to increased control of their benefits. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Through agroforestry innovations/ essential elements {learning from success and failures, availability of germplasm, technology options, farmer centered and research extension approaches, knowledge information sharing, local institutional capacity building, facilitation, policy realignment, availability of reliable markets, and strategic partnerships}, cooperatives, NGOs and community organizations, introduce an agroforestry certification that will allow farmers to get more money for their products, demand driven participatory and inclusive research, and new models for funding. Agroforestry shows a great potential in mitigating CO2 than treeless systems, it enhances environmental quality, sustains economic viability and enhance quality of life therefore concerted effort should be made by different stakeholder in supporting it.