The Role of Agroforestry in Ecosystem Service and Climate Change Regulation: A Review

Abstract: Agroforestry systems are believed to provide several ecosystem services; however, until recently evidence in the agroforestry literature supporting these perceived benefits has been lacking. This paper aimed to provide empirical information on the role of agroforestry in ecosystem maintenance and climate change adaptation and mitigation provided by agroforestry. Agroforestry has played a greater role in the maintenance of the ecosystem and mitigation of CO2 than monocropping and open cereal-based agriculture but less than natural forest. The three components of agroforestry are important for biodiversity conservation, CO2 sequestration, and climate change adaptation. CO2 sequestration through above and ground biomass, offsetting CO2 emission from deforestation and microclimate modification are major climate change mitigation effects. Provision of numerous ecosystem services such as food, fodder, and fuel wood, income source, and enhancing soil productivity help the community to sustain changing climate effects. Hence, considerable attention needs to be given to agroforestry to contribute considerable benefit to the maintenance of the ecosystem, and climate change mitigation and adaptation next to a forest.