Agro-forestry and Watershed Management

Why

Agroforestry systems protect crops and forage, increase their production, protect soil and water resources, conserve energy, improve ecosystem “richness”, create additional wildlife habitat, and increase landscape diversity. They also provide additional farm or ranch products: timber, pulpwood, firewood, posts, fruit, nuts, and fodder to name a few. Agroforestry represents a collection of multipurpose practices that are enduring and help achieve sustainable agriculture.[1]

Increase damage of agriculture is competing with forest-based livelihood. While it can offer hope for short-term poverty eradication, agriculture expansion can damage the natural services that woodlands provide to local community.

How

Encouraging farmers to grow indigenous verities of trees and shrubs in combination with crops or forage. Also include tree and shrub plantings on the farm that improve habitat value or access by humans and wildlife, or that provide woody plant products in addition to agricultural crops or forage. Currently, LEAD Nepal is working on 12 earthquake-affected districts in capacity building of the locals on efficient use of agro-forestry while protection and restoring ecosystems services for incessant delivery of its services.

[1] Science Direct Journal, Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Volume 6, February 2014, Pages 61–67