Market-Driven Adoption of Agroforestry Systems

Abstract

This review study suggests that despite initial decreases in production, agroforestry systems can achieve higher overall profitability compared to conventional monoculture practices, most strongly evidenced for the dairy sector. The potential to generate higher profitability resides in the capacity to lower external costs and reground agricultural practices on ‘internal’ ecological principles and cycles. Awareness of the economic benefits of agroforestry practices should support large-scale adoption, as farmers express willingness to implement agroforestry after receiving accurate information. Providing practical examples of farmers who have successfully adapted – specifying practical know-how, profitability, and benefits – can effectively shift perceptions and drive agroforestry adoption, given that there is regulatory room for diversification and experimentation.