Potential of Agroforestry for Climate change mitigation

Abstract

One binding feature of all arid regions in the world is aridity. The hot arid regions of India cover an area of 31.70 million ha of which 61% is located in state of Rajasthan, thus, forms principal hot arid region of the country. Agroforestry is way of life in arid western Rajasthan and traditional agroforestry systems of the region appears to be evolved on the basis of rainfall gradient. In past three decades many improved agroforestry systems have been developed by CAZRI, Jodhpur. These systems are economically beneficial and environmentally sound. Agroforestry sequesters carbon and produces a range of economic, environmental, and socio-economic benefits. Research on agroforestry as an adaptation to climate change and as a buffer against climate variability is in the process of evolving. There are many pathways through which agroforestry qualify as an adaptation to climate change, especially in arid regions of the country.