State of Art of Agroforestry for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation: A Review of Multifunctional Agricultural Landscapes

Abstract

Agroforestry, defined as the intentional integration of trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock within agricultural landscapes, has emerged as a globally significant land use strategy capable of simultaneously addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation imperatives. As global communities intensify efforts to limit anthropogenic warming and strengthen ecosystem resilience, multifunctional agricultural landscapes incorporating agroforestry practices offer a uniquely scalable and socially embedded solution. This review synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed literature and institutional reports to examine the biophysical, ecological, and socioeconomic dimensions of agroforestry systems in the context of climate change. The carbon sequestration potential of diverse agroforestry configurations across tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones is evaluated, with evidence consistently indicating that both above-ground biomass and soil organic carbon stocks are substantially enhanced relative to monoculture counterparts. The role of agroforestry in buffering microclimates, regulating hydrological cycles, conserving biodiversity, and stabilising food production under increasingly variable climatic conditions is critically assessed. Socioeconomic dimensions—including economic viability, barriers to adoption, gender equity, and smallholder livelihoods—are examined alongside the evolving policy landscape, encompassing carbon markets and payment for ecosystem services frameworks. Significant research gaps are identified, particularly in long-term monitoring, landscape-scale modelling, and the co-design of locally adapted systems. The review concludes that realising the full potential of agroforestry for climate action requires integrated policies, sustained investment, and participatory research approaches that place smallholder farmers and indigenous knowledge at the centre of landscape-scale transitions.