Exploring agroforestry and food security in Latin America: a systematic review

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive systematic review of agroforestry, a practice that combines crops with perennial woody plants, emphasizing its potential contribution to food security and socioeconomic development, especially in the context of the impacts of climate change in Latin America. The research focuses on understanding why agroforestry systems represent a significant opportunity to strengthen the food security of small-scale producers in the region. The review involved a meticulous search in electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, prioritizing books, scientific articles, and reports from international congresses published between 2011 and 2022. Initially, 136 sources related to agroforestry and food security were identified, but after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 49 relevant documents were selected. The attention is directed towards critical aspects, such as the impact on biodiversity, the relationship to climate change, and the importance of traditional knowledge. Ecological services, agroecological practices, and land use planning are explored. The study highlights the dynamic nature of agroforestry in the Latin American landscape and the conclusion suggests an opportunity to address pressing challenges through concrete strategies, recognizing the transformative potential of agroecological practices. A call to action is issued, emphasizing the need to translate ideas into tangible actions, with recommendations to implement specific policies harnessing agroforestry. This call is based on the evidence from the systematic review, and it seeks to drive a significant change in addressing critical issues in Latin America, aiming to promote environmental sustainability, food security, and resilience to climate change.