Agroforestry promotion for land restoration, livelihoods and economic resilience in India
Abstract
Agroforestry has emerged as an important land-use strategy for addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and livelihood sustainability. With increasing population pressure and declining agricultural and forest lands, nature-based solutions like agroforestry offer sustainable pathways to enhance food production, maintain soil fertility, and generate diversified income opportunities for rural communities. By integrating trees with crops and livestock, agroforestry systems mimic natural ecosystems and provide multiple ecological benefits, including improved soil health, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. In addition to ecological advantages, agroforestry contributes to poverty alleviation and supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing its potential, India became the first country to adopt the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014, aimed at promoting agroforestry for employment generation, industrial utilization, and value addition. Furthermore, the GROW report by NITI Aayog estimates that approximately 55.76 million hectares of wastelands in India could be restored through agroforestry interventions. This review highlights the role of agroforestry in addressing food security, environmental restoration, and rural economic development, while also examining the progress of government policies supporting agroforestry initiatives. Strengthening policy support and investment in agroforestry can enhance sustainability, improve rural livelihoods, and promote resilient landscape restoration, positioning agroforestry as a key strategy for sustainable development.