Vulnerability and adaptation

Vulnerability and adaptation of agroforestry systems to climate variability and change

Agroforestry systems are more resilient than other agricultural systems to climate variability. They can reduce wind and water erosion, increase soil health and the availability of nutrients, are less prone to drought, provide watershed protection and support biodiversity. They also supply other sources of income to farmers, such as timber and fruits.

The World Agroforestry Centre is acquiring knowledge about how trees and agroforestry systems can contribute to adaptation to year-to-year climate variability and long-term climate change.

Through long-term adaptation trials, we are assessing the impacts of climate variables on water and nutrient availability. Research is also being carried out to identify the risk factors for climate change vulnerability in target landscapes. We are providing guidance on approaches to integrate climate change adaptation from a project scale to a national scale.

Adaptation of Land Use to Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa (ALUCSSA)

The ALUCCSA project aims to develop climate change scenarios for Sub-Saharan Africa (Burkina Faso and Ethiopia) over the next 100 years and determine what impact these will have on land use systems. Current agriculture and livestock practices will be evaluated against future climate scenario conditions, and practical recommendations developed for adaptation techniques, including agroforestry.