This article discusses the significant benefits of agroforestry systems for both farmers and the environment. For farmers, agroforestry offers diversified income streams through various products like timber and fruits, access to payments for environmental services, and improved food security.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) recent report highlights the organization's efforts to maximize the impact and sustainability of its 120 ongoing and future agroforestry projects. Between 2012 and 2022, the incorporation of agroforestry practices in IFAD-supported projects rose to 21 per cent, up from just 2 per cent in the previous decade. These initiatives span diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, drylands, and mountainous regions, with 26 per cent located in fragile settings where building resilience is crucial. Despite existing barriers, IFAD is actively working to enable small-scale farmers to adopt agroforestry practices, recognizing its dual benefits for empowering farmers and protecting our planet.