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A global review of agroforestry research and policy directions: Addressing ecological and socioeconomic challenges through systematic review and bibliometric analysis

Author

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  • Sharma, Umesh
  • Sharma, Shilpa
  • Sankhyan, Neeraj
  • Sharma, Sunny
  • Sharma, Sarthak

Abstract

Agroforestry is increasingly recognized as a transformative solution to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. This study integrates systematic review and bibliometric approaches to analyze agroforestry research trends from 1980 to 2024, drawing on 8090 publications from the Scopus database. Using Biblioshiny (bibliometrix R package) and VOSviewer, we identified notable surge in research activity, with 75 % of publications after 2015, reflecting heightened global interest. Thematic and keyword analysis highlights agroforestry's role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate-smart agriculture as dominant priorities, alongside rising interest in policy integration, economics, and ecosystem services. Geographically, the USA (816), India (800), and Brazil (715) lead in research output, while Agroforestry Systems, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, and Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment publish the highest number of articles. Citation network analysis reveals strong international collaborations, particularly among European, North American, and Asian researchers, while contributions from Africa, despite wide geographic participation, remain comparatively limited. Despite progress, challenges persist in policy integration, long-term adoption strategies, and financial incentives for practitioners. Policymakers must ensure secure land and tree tenure, carbon rights, support capacity building, and enhance market access in remote marketing infrastructure to maintain fiscal viability of AFS, as initiated in India through the National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) 2014. Modern technologies like UAVs and integrated policies can revolutionize monitoring and management. Future research should prioritize agroforestry's impact on soil biota and pollinators, and field based carbon sequestration estimates, underscoring its critical role in achieving SDGs and advancing global sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Sharma, Umesh & Sharma, Shilpa & Sankhyan, Neeraj & Sharma, Sunny & Sharma, Sarthak, 2025. "A global review of agroforestry research and policy directions: Addressing ecological and socioeconomic challenges through systematic review and bibliometric analysis," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:forpol:v:181:y:2025:i:c:s1389934125002187
    DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2025.103639
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