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This study analyzes the process of productive specialization of the work in Maranhão, through the advance triggered by the implementation of the manufacturing unit of Suzano Paper and Cellulose in the municipality of Empress, southwest of the state. Methodologically, in addition to reviewing the relevant literature, secondary data on transformations in local employment and local professional qualifications derived from the implementation of Suzano were used together with field research. The data used originate from RAIS; CAGED; IBGE, in addition to technical schools and local universities. The results found made it possible to verify that there is a specialization of the workforce in progress to meet the logic and full functioning of the pulp production chain in Imperatriz - MA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The production of high filler-loaded recycled papers is often affected by high values of linting and low values of strength. In the first case, the accumulation of lint particles from paper’s surface on the printing blanket affects the quality of the printed paper and the pressroom’s productivity. In the second case, increasing the use of fillers and recycling cycles lead to poor paper strength. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are receiving a great deal of attention due to their potential as a reinforcement aid for high filler-loaded papers through filler–fiber interaction and interfiber bonding. It is already proven that high quality CNFs can reduce linting, although their industrial application is limited by their high production cost. The objective of this research is, therefore, to quantify the effect of applying lower grade, more sustainable CNFs on linting phenomena and on the mechanical properties of recycled papers. Eucalyptus, pine and triticale residues were used as cellulose sources, and the CNFs were produced minimizing the chemical pretreatment before homogenization. Addition of 3 wt% of CNFs from pine residues into the recycled paper with 15.7 wt% of total filler reduced linting by 40% and increased tensile strength by 15.1%; further improvements on linting and mechanical properties were achieved at 5 wt%. Moreover, the increase in drainage time can be overcome by the addition of a retention aid, in this case a coagulant-cationic polyacrylamide-bentonite system, commonly used in paper mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientia Agraria Paranaensis is the property of Revista Scientia Agraria Paranaensis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effect of soil amendment with biological sludge from the paper mill on growth of Khaya senegalensis forest tree and Orthosiphon stamineus medicinal shrub was studied. Both crops received nutrient input early, i.e. after transplanting. Growth data were taken at fixed intervals for up to 1 year. Orthosiphon stamineus was measured for aboveground dry matter yield at four crop cycles. Residual nutrient level in soil after 1 year of application was evaluated. Comparison was made with inorganic fertiliser application and untreated soil. Khaya senegalensis responded positively to raw and composted biosludge applications, outperforming the widely used inorganic fertiliser. Biosludge application resulted in greater height increment, diameter growth and total plant biomass than the control and inorganic fertiliser. Orthosiphon stamineus also produced greater biomass with biosludge application and the trend remained the same for all crop cycles except for the relatively lower yield at the second, third and fourth crop cycles. Soil fertility parameters were most affected at the topsoil layer with overall accreting tendency under K. senegalensis tree with sludge application. Exchangeable K was the most limiting nutrient for K. senegalensis while P and K limited growth of O. stamineus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contents of this Special Issue of Agroforestry Systems are from selected papers presented at the 16th North American Agroforestry Conference of the Association for Temperate Agroforestry held at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, from June 24–27, 2019. The conference attracted over 150 participants and the event included oral presentations with seven concurrent sessions, poster presentations, a pre-conference tour, one full day of field tours, plenary keynotes, and Agroforestry Working Groups and Regional Meetings. The seventeen manuscripts included in this Special Issue have been derived from temperate agroforestry research projects, outreach, and development. Papers were selected from temperate regions in North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico as well as manuscripts from sub-tropical systems in India. Overall, the conference papers addressed multidisciplinary topics in agroforestry including, accessing resources, accessing markets, managing risks, advances in technology applications, production science, environmental benefits, adoption, implementation, evaluation, education, outreach and community engagement, policy practice, climate change opportunities and challenges, and special forest products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry is often seen as a sustainable land-use system for agricultural production providing ecosystem services. Intercropping with food crops leads to equal or higher productivity than monoculture and results in food production for industry and subsistence. Low rubber price and low labor productivity in smallholdings have led to a dramatic conversion of rubber plantations to more profitable crops. The literature analysis performed in this paper aimed at better understanding the ins and outs that could make rubber-based agroforestry more attractive for farmers. A comprehensive search of references was conducted in March 2023 using several international databases and search engines. A Zotero library was set up consisting of 415 scientific references. Each reference was carefully read and tagged in several categories: cropping system, country, main tree species, intercrop type, intercrop product, level of product use, discipline of the study, research topic, and intercrop species. Of the 232 journal articles, 141 studies were carried out on rubber agroforestry. Since 2011, the number of studies per year has increased. Studies on rubber-based agroforestry systems are performed in most rubber-producing countries, in particular in Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Brazil. These studies focus more or less equally on perennials (forest species and fruit trees), annual intercrops, and mixed plantations. Of the 47 annual crops associated with rubber in the literature, 20 studies dealt with rice, maize, banana, and cassava. Agronomy is the main discipline in the literature followed by socio-economy and then ecology. Only four papers are devoted to plant physiology and breeding. The Discussion Section has attempted to analyze the evolution of rubber agroforestry research, progress in the selection of food crop varieties adapted to agroforestry systems, and to draw some recommendations for rubber-based agroforestry systems associated with food crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) is one of the 22 Leucaena species that originated in Central America. There are two major subspecies of leucaena, L. leucocephala subsp. glabrata (giant leucaena) and L. leucocephala subsp. leucocephala (common leucaena). Giant leucaena is a medium size fast-growing tree important for agroforestry while common leucaena is a small bushy shrub that is considered to be an invasive weed. Giant leucaena can be grown as a woody tree of up to ~ 20 m in height or maintained as a bushy fodder legume by repeated harvest of its foliage several times a year. Giant leucaena grown for fodder can produce forage dry mater yield of up to 34 Mg ha−1 year−1. High forage yield together with high protein content makes leucaena an ideal fodder legume for the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Although mimosine present in the leucaena foliage has toxicity, it should not be a big concern because ruminants can be successfully inoculated with the mimosine-metabolizing rumen bacterium Synergistis jonesii. Alternatively, mimosine present in the leucaena foliage can be removed easily and inexpensively through simple processing. Giant leucaena cultivars are generally free from diseases and are highly tolerant to drought. Although infestation by psyllids may be a problem, a number of psyllid-resistant cultivars of giant leucaena have been developed through interspecies hybridization. The wood of giant leucaena can be used for timber, paper pulp, or biofuel production. Leucaena foliage and wood may serve as raw materials for development of new industry for production of phytochemicals such as mimosine, tannins and anthocyanins, wood products, and high-protein animal feed for farm animals in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional oases represent unique forms of adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, developed through the centuries by local farmers to support their livelihood, combining different crops (date palms, fruit trees, vegetables and fodder) with livestock breeding. Despite their social, economic and cultural importance, these agroforestry systems are currently facing multiple socio-environmental threats. The aim of the paper is to investigate the variety of Ecosystem Services (ES) and the main threats related to traditional oases in Northern Africa through a systematic literature review. The search returned 257 relevant papers published from 2005 to March 2022, mostly focusing on Tunisian oases (37%), followed by Algerian (23%), Moroccan (19%), Egyptian (17%), and Libyan (4%). Provisioning Services, in particular Genetic diversity, agrobiodiversity and biodiversity, are the most cited ES (36% of the papers) followed by Cultural Services, mainly represented by Traditional knowledge systems, cultural heritage and sense of place (17%), while Regulating Services are less considered. Results highlighted that water related issues (desertification, drought, salinization or overexploitation) represent the main threat, followed by decrease of agrobiodiversity, primarily due to the spread of monocultures of commercial date varieties, and by social transformations (depopulation, traditional knowledge and cultural heritage loss). The literature review proved that traditional oases are still crucial for the livelihood of local communities since they still provide many ES. Local experiences related to sustainable development and tourism, or innovative solutions to valorize local products and byproducts, could be important for replication in other traditional oases to contribute to the wellbeing of local communities and to the preservation of these agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper synthesizes the current understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from field cropping systems. It examines the key factors influencing GHG emissions, including crop type, management practices, and soil conditions. The review highlights the variability in GHG emissions across different cropping systems. Conventional tillage systems generally emit higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) than no-till or reduced tillage systems. Crop rotation, cover cropping, and residue management can significantly reduce GHG emissions by improving soil carbon sequestration and reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirements. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities for mitigating GHG emissions in field cropping systems. Precision agriculture techniques, such as variable rate application of fertilizers and water, can optimize crop production while minimizing environmental impacts. Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees and crops, offer the potential for carbon sequestration and reducing N2O emissions. This review provides insights into the latest research on GHG emissions from field cropping systems and identifies areas for further study. It emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable management practices to reduce GHG emissions and enhance the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indirect assessment of tree-based farming system/diet linkages Sixteen studies describe engagement in one or more tree-based farming systems as explanatory variable(s) without explicitly addressing the role of trees within the farming system in relation to dietary quality. The relative benefits for income and diet quality, however, depend on the type of tree-based farming system in place: (a) home gardens/trees on farms, (b) shifting cultivation systems, (c) timber/plantation tree crops or (d) forest-edge farming. There appears to be a significant association between presence/absence of home gardens/trees on farm and study outcome ( 2 = 10.38, p = 0.003), but we hypothesize that this is due to the large number of papers that include home garden/trees on farm relative to other tree-based farming systems gl Figure 4 illustrates the tree-based farming system/diet associations grouped by explanatory pathway and the type of tree-based farming system included. Therefore, to make meaningful comparisons between papers, the literature is divided into three groups for analysis: (a) direct assessment of tree-based farming system/diet linkages: papers that explicitly examine the relationship between tree-based farming systems and a dietary quality indicator, where practicing a form of tree-based farming is at least one of the predictor variables; (b) indirect assessment of tree-based farming/diet linkages: papers that include tree-based farming systems in the description of the predictor variable(s), but their role and/or influence on dietary quality is not the focus of the study; and (c) no explicit assessment of tree-based farming/diet linkages: papers in which dietary quality is measured for a population that engages in some forms of tree-based farming system as per the study area description, but the farming systems are not included as predictor variable(s) (Table S3). [Extracted from the article]

When it comes to forest management and protection, knowledge is key. Therefore, forest mapping is crucial to obtain the required knowledge towards profitable resource exploitation and increased resilience against wildfires. Within this context, this paper presents a literature review on tree classification and segmentation using data acquired by unmanned aerial vehicles, with special focus on the last decade (2013–2023). The latest research trends in this field are presented and analyzed in two main vectors, namely: (1) data, where used sensors and data structures are resumed; and (2) methods, where remote sensing and data analysis methods are described, with particular focus on machine learning approaches. The study and review methodology filtered 979 papers, which were then screened, resulting in the 144 works included in this paper. These are systematically analyzed and organized by year, keywords, purpose, sensors, and methods used, easily allowing the readers to have a wide, but at the same time detailed, view of the latest trends in automatic tree classification and segmentation using unmanned aerial vehicles. This review shows that image processing and machine learning techniques applied to forestry and segmentation and classification tasks are focused on improving the accuracy and interpretability of the results by using multi-modal data, 3D information, and AI methods. Most works use RGB or multispectral cameras, or LiDAR scanners, individually. Classification is mostly carried out using supervised methods, while segmentation mostly uses unsupervised machine learning techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the Special Issue "Systematic Approach to Agroforestry Policies and Practices in Asia". This Special Issue contains eleven papers on agroforestry at national, regional, and global levels. These papers discuss research trends; dominant services and functions of agroforestry; multiple case studies from Asian countries including Nepal, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Timor-Leste; and the benefits of agroforestry including income generation and carbon sequestration. They also interpret the goals, challenges, and social and cultural norms in agroforestry policies in national and local contexts. The research results can support policy design for the systematization and stabilization of agroforestry. This Special Issue provides us with scientific evidence and practical lessons on agroforestry policies and practices in Asia. It contributes to expanding the knowledge base for agroforestry and towards establishing and implementing agroforestry policies and practices in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on picking robots is vital to the transformation and upgrading of the agroforestry industry and the revitalization and development of rural areas. This paper examines the research field of agroforestry picking robots by meticulously combing and analyzing 623 CNKI and 648 WoS core literature from 2004 to 2022 selected in China Knowledge Network (CNKI) and Web of Science (WoS) databases using Cite Space 6.1R3 software. The analysis includes the quantity of literature, issuing countries, organizations, keywords, keyword clustering, emerging terms, etc. On this basis, research hotspots in the field of agroforestry picking robots are identified, such as research based on the identification of picking targets, the control of motion planning, structural design and simulation, and the planning of walking paths. This paper analyzes and discusses these research hotspots and main lines, providing a reference for future studies in this field. This bibliometric approach can provide comprehensive literature information for research in related fields, as well as identify and summarize the major research hotspots in a shorter time, allowing new researchers to enter the field more quickly and obtain more valuable scientific information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alder-based shifting cultivation, particularly, has been identified for its unique ecological and socio-economic role. It is a distinctive agricultural practice in Nagaland, India, with significant implications for climate change. This study explores the interactions between alder-based shifting cultivation and climate change dynamics. The paper examines how integrating alders into the shifting cultivation system influences carbon sequestration and soil enrichment in this bio-diversity-rich but environmentally vulnerable region. The paper comprehensively analyses the carbon balance within this managed ecosystem. The findings emphasise alder trees' role in enhancing nitrogen levels in the soil and promoting carbon storage in the biomass and soil organic matter. This paper advocates that agroforestry systems can be effective strategies for climate-resilient development in Nagaland if adequately managed. The study concludes that recognising and reinforcing the role of indigenous practices is crucial in shaping effective and inclusive climate change responses in the region. The other hilly parts of the country can set this as a model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles within the issue on various topics, including the use of agroforestry for treating wastewater, the economic efficiency of an established minimum quality of drinking water, and consumer behavior relating to water consumption.

The conservation of endangered native species and climate change are currently the two most pressing environmental problems on the planet. Therefore, the general objective of the review was to synthesize evidence of the contributions of agroforestry systems to the conservation of native species, carbon sequestration, and livelihood benefits in Ethiopia. A total of 104 publications from 2000 to 2024 publication years were used to provide available evidence and research gaps on agroforestry contribution to native species conservation (n=21), carbon sequestration (n=33), and livelihood benefits (n=35) in Ethiopia. Furthermore, 38 papers from other parts of the world were used to support ideas and relevant evidence linked to the title. The review's findings confirm that agroforestry can serve as in-situ conservation for endangered native species including Cordia africana Lam., Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel., Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth, Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Ficus sur Forssk and Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev. The review systematic review indicated that agroforestry systems store an average of 40.04 ± 10.4 Mg C ha −1 in biomass and 68.9 ± 9.9 Mg C ha−1 in soil in Ethiopia. Hence, the above-ground carbon was highest for coffee-based agroforestry (17.12 ± 6.3 Mg ha−1) followed by homegarden (16.6 ± 3.2 3 Mg ha−1) and woodlot (7.1 ± 1.09 Mg ha−1). Fuelwood, food, fodder, income, timber, fruits, and poles for construction were the main benefits of livelihood; which have been reported in 37, 30, 26, 25, 23, and 20,18 published articles, respectively. Empirical studies show that an agroforestry system, which can significantly reduce the vulnerabilities of households and store a large amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is an important strategy for climate adaptation and mitigation. Moreover, further scientific research on agroforestry on the sustainability of agroforestry is needed from responsible bodies in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the extensive amount of evidence in the literature regarding the benefits of agroforestry systems including carbon sequestration, soil erosion reduction, climate change resilience, biodiversity conservation and other ecosystem services, the adoption of agroforestry practices presents several barriers for farmers and other stakeholders, thus requiring comprehensive examination from the scientific community. We performed a systematic literature review following the methodology described in the PRISMA framework, to provide a novel comprehensive and systematic overview of what is present in the literature regarding the obstacles stakeholders perceive with regards to agroforestry adoption, gathered through participatory research methods, which are methodologies that engage stakeholders in the research process. In this work, we highlighted and categorized 31 obstacles that stakeholders around the globe perceive according to the examined literature (n = 90) with regards to agroforestry adoption, pertaining to i) technical-agronomic, ii) socio-economic and iii) policy-legislative aspects. We produced a consultable database of the examined literature presenting the extracted and categorized data including 1) Region of interest; 2) Investigated agroforestry system; 3) Methodologies utilized in the papers; 4) Number, gender ratio and type of stakeholders; 5) Main relevant obstacles found in the paper. We highlighted the five most frequently encountered issues i) the availability or quality of knowledge or experience on technical and agronomic matters, or knowledge diffusion necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems ii) the perceived socio-economic issue related to the market, marketing of agroforestry products, supply chain or jobs in agroforestry; iii) issues related to the amount of labor or time necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems; iv) issues related to the upfront economic investment necessary to establish an agroforestry system and availability of capital; and v) issues related to the availability of technical support necessary to implement or maintain agroforestry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual biomass is a reliable source of energy and hence requires effective supply chain management for optimal performance and sustainability. While there are various studies on this recent trend, a comprehensive review of the literature on simulation-based modeling of the supply chain for residual agroforestry biomass is lacking. This study aims to present a systematic review of relevant literature surrounding residual agroforestry supply chain simulation insights and directions. The systematic literature review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 standards and intends to answer the research questions based on (1) Key Performance Indicators (KPI); (2) Simulation techniques; and (3) Efficient supply chain. A search of the Science Direct, SCOPUS, and UA EBSCO databases was conducted using the appropriate keywords combination. The databases were searched, and a total of 1617 papers were appraised automatically. Subsequently, the titles, keywords, and abstracts of 172 papers were examined. Following the full-text analysis, 20 papers in addition to 27 articles taken from other sources matched the requirements for study inclusion. The publications accessed reveals that simulation-based techniques will optimize the supply chain for residual biomass when applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litterfall is one of the major pathways connecting above- and belowground processes. The effects of climate and land-use change on carbon (C) and nutrient inputs by litterfall are poorly known. We quantified and analyzed annual patterns of C and nutrient deposition via litterfall in natural forests and agroforestry systems along the unique elevation gradient of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tree litter in three natural (lower montane, Ocotea and Podocarpus forests), two sustainably used (homegardens) and one intensively managed (shaded coffee plantation) was collected on a biweekly basis from May 2012 to July 2013. Leaves, branches and remaining residues were separated and analyzed for C and nutrient contents. The annual pattern of litterfall was closely related to rainfall seasonality, exhibiting a large peak towards the end of the dry season (August-October). This peak decreased at higher elevations with decreasing rainfall seasonality. Macronutrients (N, P, K) in leaf litter increased at mid elevation (2100 m a.s.l.) and with land-use intensity. Carbon content and micronutrients (Al, Fe, Mn, Na) however, were unaffected or decreased with land-use intensity. On the southern slope of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the annual pattern of litterfall depends on seasonal climatic conditions. While leaf litterfall decreased with elevation, total annual input was independent of climate. Compared to natural forests, the nutrient cycles in agroforestry ecosystems were accelerated by fertilization and the associated changes in dominant tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The achievement of eco-product value and the growth of eco-industry can boost the economic advancement of karst areas. The findings of a statistical analysis of 520 relevant studies reveal the following: (1) From a time series perspective, the amount of papers increase with each wave of research; (2) contents mainly concentrate on four aspects, namely, ecosystem services supply (8.46%), value accounting (10.58%), value realization (37.88%), and eco-industry (30.38%); (3) the study areas are primarily concentrated in Asia (85.96%), Europe (7.12%), and North America (4.04%), most of which are located in China's karst areas with vulnerable ecological environments and regions that are aware of eco-product values; and (4) research frontiers are reflected through four aspects of the ecosystem, namely, services supply, value accounting, value realization, and the eco-industry. Based on the analysis in this paper, it can be concluded that paths, mechanisms, and models for eco-product value realization are still slow. Therefore, to support the growth of karst agroforestry ecosystem services, it is imperative to further research the capacity of agroforestry ecosystem services supply, value accounting systems, ecological compensation mechanisms, the value realization models of eco-products, and the formation mechanism of eco-industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial effluents and municipal wastewaters are increasingly finding their way into freshwater bodies, posing serious health and environmental challenges. In this paper, the potential for industrial wastewater remediation through agroforestry is explored for a peri-urban farming region in India. Farmers are incentivized under a payment for ecosystem services (PES) mechanism to convert their farmlands into poplar-based agroforestry and utilize industrial effluents for irrigating trees. Additional income can be derived through sale of poplar timber which enhances the attractiveness of such a PES mechanism. A dynamic optimization model compares farmers' optimal land use allocation to a socially optimal case. Further, the firm's effluent discharge outcomes are compared to an alternative arrangement where it is fined for discharging untreated wastewater into waterbodies in the absence of the agroforestry remediation option. Results support the attractiveness of such PES mechanisms in addressing the industrial effluent discharge problem while simultaneously mitigating the effects of water scarcity through wastewater reclamation. The optimal level of tax required to accomplish complete treatment of effluents by polluting firms is several times higher compared to PES payments. Further, the incentive to convert farmland into poplar plantations improves with PES payments but declines with higher profitability of agricultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue on coffee breeding and stress biology. It highlights the importance of ongoing research in improving coffee crops, including the two main species, Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. The special issue includes seven scientific articles and two review papers that cover various aspects of coffee cultivation, such as nutrient concentrations, genetic variability, phenotypic plasticity, and the effects of light and CO2 levels. The research presented in this special issue provides valuable insights for the improvement and sustainability of coffee crops. [Extracted from the article]

Ecological role of insects in cocoa agroforestry systems is a key component of biodiversity that generally underlines what insects do in cocoa agroforestry systems. Although insects are often under-appreciated and viewed by many cocoa farmers as a nuisance and pests, they provide a diversity of ecosystem services in cocoa agroforestry systems. Farm management practices affect the role and function of these insects, and consequently the ecosystem services and disservices they provide. This paper reviews the importance of insects in cocoa agroforestry systems and examines five major ecosystem service that insects provide. It also highlights farm management practices that affect ecosystem services and disservices provided by insects in cocoa agroforestry systems. The paper further summarizes some of the major and minor insect pest species that can be found in cocoa agroforestry systems, the damages they cause, as well as their management strategies. The conclusion provides insight on how to conserve valuable ecosystem services provided by insects in cocoa agroforestry systems, suggests innovative farm management practices to reduce disservices provided by some insect pest species, and offers recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry has gained increasing attention as a sustainable land use mode to ensure food security, mitigate global climate change, and improve farmers' livelihoods. Likewise, agroforestry plays a key role in alleviating poverty, mitigating climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in China. Lanxangia tsaoko, as a typical agroforestry species in Nujiang Prefecture, plays a vital role in improving farmers' livelihoods. After years of development, the Lanxangia tsaoko industry (LTI) in Nujiang Prefecture has made remarkable achievements and accumulated useful experiences. Taking the development of LTI as an example, this paper analyzes the impact of agroforestry on farmers' livelihoods and its mechanism through field survey and theoretical deduction. First, by investigating the willingness of households to choose LTI, we found that most farmers have a positive attitude toward LTI, and they actively participate in cooperative organizations. Then, by analyzing the development stage and mode of LTI in Nujiang Prefecture, we found that the industry has made significant progress under the external and internal effects. We also found that the mechanism by which agroforestry affects farmers' livelihoods is a process in which various stakeholders, including government, enterprises, farmers, etc., participate in industrial development with their production components and advantages. Although agroforestry is an effective way to improve farmers' livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural development, it is also necessary to pay attention to risk prevention. This paper discusses the role of agroforestry in farmers' livelihoods, which provides a reference for lower-income forest areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecology is identified as an important solution to increase the sustainability of agricultural and food systems. Despite the increasing number of publications assessing the socio-economic outcomes of agroecology, very few studies have consolidated the scattered results obtained on various case studies. This paper provides new insights by consolidating evidence on the varied socio-economic effects of agroecology across a large number of cases at a global level. To this purpose, we used a rapid review methodology, screening more than 13,000 publications to retrieve evidence on the socio-economic outcomes of the implementation of agroecological practices. The results of the review indicate that (1) agroecological practices are associated more often with positive socio-economic outcomes across the broad range of evaluated metrics (51% positive, 30% negative, 10% neutral, and 9% inconclusive outcomes); (2) the socio-economic metrics associated with financial capital represent the vast majority of evaluated metrics (83% of total) and are affected positively in a large share of cases (53%), due to favourable outcomes on income, revenues, productivity and efficiency; (3) human capital metrics (16%) are associated with a larger number of negative outcomes (46% versus 38% positive), due to higher labour requirements and costs that are however partly compensated by an overall greater number of positive outcomes on labour productivity (55%); and (4) the results vary depending on the agroecological practice assessed; e.g. for agroforestry, we identify 53% positive outcomes while for cropping system diversification 35%. These results indicate an overall favourable potential for farms to benefit from a positive socio-economic performance with the use of agroecological practices. Yet, the magnitude, temporal aspects, and success factors related to these outcomes, as well as the trade-offs between them, and the system-level effects of an agroecological transition are to be further assessed, since they can have an important influence on the performance of individual farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This work aims to analyze flocks' management practices and sheep breeders' perceptions of the impact of climate change to enhance the resilience of the sheep production systems in the Tunisian semi-arid region. The results revealed three main sheep production systems: the agro-pastoral rain-fed system (AGPRF), the agro-pastoral irrigated system (AGPI), and the agro-sylvo-pastoral system (AGSP). Each production system is characterized by specific management and productive parameters that are used by farmers to build resilience actions. However, farmers' climate change perceptions are mostly the same across the three sheep production systems: a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures and extreme events, which negatively influence feedstuff availability and costs. Global climate change inflicts unambiguous risks on agricultural systems and food security. Small ruminants are known for their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This paper aims to characterize sheep production systems in a vulnerable agricultural zone and the breeders' perceptions of climate change to apprehend challenges that they are confronting, and formulate resilience actions. The data analysis is based on 94 semi-structured surveys of sheep farmers carried out in the Tunisian semi-arid region. The PCA analysis results revealed three main sheep production systems. The agro-pastoral rain-fed system (AGPRF) is dominant (55%), with large farms and common pastures integrating cereals and fodder. The agro-pastoral irrigated system (AGPI: 20%) is characterized by small-area and forage irrigation (1.8 ha) and a smaller number of ewes but a greater use of animal feed supplementation. The agro-sylvo-pastoral system (AGSP: 25%) is a system where grazing is based on common lands and using tree sub-products, while the agricultural area is exclusively used to cultivate cereal crops. Sheep breeders' climate perceptions are summarized as unpredictable climate events, a decrease in precipitation, and an increase in temperature. Resilience actions principally consist of reducing flocks' numbers, using alternative local feed, fodder, and water resources, and building more shelters and planting more trees in the grazing areas. Nevertheless, cost-effectiveness should be considered in such vulnerable zones to insure the sheep production systems' sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At less than one percent of Malaysia's total population, the Orang Asli (Peninsular Malaysia's Indigenous Peoples) lack political clout; state nonrecognition of their land rights constitutes a fundamental reason for the economic and social ills faced by their communities. This article examines the protection of Semai Orang Asli customary territories from a cultural heritage perspective. Drawing on a study of traditional place-names and oral history, it describes how forests, other than existing as the Semai ancestral domain, continue to be the lifeblood of Semai culture and economic production. The paper examines state-owned forest reserves and the role these play in Semai cultural continuity, including traditional livelihoods such as agroforestry and swidden agriculture. Forest reserves are on the frontier of resource extraction and forest conservation in Malaysia; however, because these comprise the customary territories of Orang Asli, they also signify the frontier of forest-dependent Indigeneity. The paper weaves a narrative of Semai forest dependence, and concludes with a discussion of the prospects for a World Heritage Cultural Landscape (WHCL) designation as a possible avenue for protecting Semai customary territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous peoples and local communities are key actors in the preservation of important biodiversity resources around the world. However, the ever-encroaching agricultural frontier and expansion of conventional agricultural practices threaten these communities, their autonomy over the land, and the traditional knowledge and practices associated with biodiverse ecosystems. Agroecology emerges as an important solution to support the continuation of agrobiodiversity, food security, and environmental conservation, but top-down solutions often do not resonate with the lived realities of traditional, Indigenous, and small-scale farming communities. This paper examines a collaborative research and narrative network developed over the past several years around traditional erva-mate agroforestry production in Southern Paraná, Brazil. It offers an example of how oral environmental history and public history can support conservation practices through agroecology. The key outcomes of this interdisciplinary, multi-dimensional research and engagement were the development of a candidacy for the system to be recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the implementation of a Dynamic Conservation Action Plan to address the threats and challenges farmers and communities are facing. The discussion explores two concepts that were integral to these processes, the creation of narrative networks and a focus on plurivocity. Both approaches ensured that the actions, knowledge, and narratives developed through the GIAHS candidacy were not imposed but agreed upon and generative through narrative and dialogue, remaining true to the realities and lived experiences of community members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops the transboundary concept of market‐based commons to explore how partial and incomplete privatisation measures are contributing to the creation, operation, and maintenance of common property in agrarian societies embedded in global economies. Focusing on Indonesia's Riau province, I show how transboundary publics and geographically dispersed users of peatland resources collectively engage in environmental stewardship around sustainable forms of peatland development and activities aimed at mitigating the socio‐ecological costs of growth. The paper explores three types of peatland commons centred on social agroforestry using paludiculture (wet cultivation) techniques, fire mitigation strategies, and green supply chains around sustainable peatland products. I argue that while these market‐based commons are still in their infancy, they inscribe a specific set of transboundary governance relationships that seek to reform rather than resist capitalism by promoting both the protective and productive functions of carbon‐rich peatlands as profitable environmental goods of public value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern vineyards, characterized by monoculture and landscape simplicity, face a multitude of pest management issues, including heightened pest and disease pressure, reliance on agrochemicals, threats of pesticide resistance, and vulnerability due to climate change. Incorporating trees into and around vineyards through agroforestry practices such as alley cropping, windbreaks, hedgerows, and multi-story cropping has the potential to create diversified vineyard landscapes that could reduce pest and disease pressure, decrease the use of pesticides, and increase economic stability. This review summarizes the existing knowledge on arthropod pest management in heterogeneous woody vineyard landscapes and provides a foundation upon which future research on vineyard agroforestry systems can be built. Existing literature suggests that vineyards with adjacent and incorporated trees can reduce arthropod pest damage by increasing the abundance of predaceous insects and bats, which has been shown to increase parasitism and predation rates. These types of diversified vineyard landscapes may also control some viral and bacterial infections by controlling the insect vectors that transmit these pathogens, although certain trees can serve as alternative hosts for some viral vectors. Control of arthropods in vineyards also has the potential to be increased by the presence of trees because of the windbreak effect that trees provide, which allows for efficient and timely applications of pesticides at the precise moment when pest pressure is at the proper threshold. Because of the demonstrated benefits of trees in and around vineyards on arthropod insect and mite control, as summarized in this paper, intentionally incorporating trees into vineyard designs in the form of vineyard agroforestry systems could be a component of an effective arthropod integrated pest management strategy, and is a subject that warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harar (Terminalia chebula) and soybean (Glycine max) are the potential tree and agricultural crops of subtropical region of Himachal Pradesh, India, however the potential of these crops under agroforestry system has not been explored both from ecological and economical point of view. The objective of this paper was to determine the effect of harar–soybean combination on soil chemical properties and to analyse the economics of the agroforestry system as compared to the open system. Soybean was grown under harar trees as per the recommended package of practices. Before sowing and after harvesting, soil samples were collected from four directions (East, West, North and South) at three distances (1, 2 and 3 m) from harar trees and open cropping system (sole soybean) for determining chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon) and nutrient dynamics (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). In addition, the soil at two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm) under trees at 2 m distance and in open was analyzed by GC–MS before and after cropping for the presence of allelochemicals that may affect crop yield. The economics of tree-crop combination was worked out and compared with the sole cropping system. The soil chemical properties and available nutrients in soil exhibited maximum values in the north direction. Except available phosphorus content, values of all the studied properties of soil increased with an increase in the distance of soybean crop from harar. It was also observed that values of soil chemical properties and nutrient contents increased significantly after intercropping in comparison to those before intercropping soybean. A substantial increase in soil properties was observed under the agroforestry system over the sole cropping system before sowing and after harvesting soybean. It was revealed that allelochemicals viz., octadecanoic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid and phthalic acid which do exist in harar trees were also detected in soil under the canopy of harar trees. The total cost of cultivation (Rs. 45,028.49 ha−1), gross returns (Rs. 101,937.78 ha−1), net returns (Rs. 56,909.29 ha−1) and benefit–cost ratio (2.26) were higher under the agroforestry system (harar + soybean) over sole soybean cropping. Improvement in soil health, soybean yield and higher economic returns indicated that combination of harar and soybean can be a viable option for farmers of subtropical areas of Himachal Pradesh for the upliftment of their socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme manifestations of the climate in the North Baragan Plain from Romania, with major negative effects on the productive-financial results of agriculture, demand more and more obviously the need to establish protective forest curtains for agricultural crops. FAO appreciates that the forest curtains protecting agricultural land denote the degree of development of a country's agriculture. The paper shows how forest curtains have an important role in protecting agricultural crops against drought, erosion, and landslides. According to the studies carried out, the effect of forest curtains leads to an average harvest increase of 30-55%. These results represent the effect of the influence exerted by the curtains on the significant reduction of the wind speed in the protected field. Under irrigated conditions, forest curtains increase productive transpiration by 15% and yield by up to 40% compared to fields irrigated but not protected by curtains. Also, water consumption per ton of plant mass produced is reduced by 18%, which means a reduction in the irrigation rate, thus lower costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective shelterbelts in agricultural fields are pivotal for expanding agroforestry systems in Romania. However, the current state of shelterbelts in the country is not as good as it used to be six decades ago. The decline is attributed to deforestation in the latter half of the previous century and a combination of limited investments and bureaucratic hurdles. The objective of this study was to gauge the perceptions of the public in Romania regarding the necessity and significance of field protective shelterbelts. A questionnaire comprising ten open and closed questions was created using Google Forms, primarily focusing on the roles of key stakeholders in this domain. The survey was disseminated on the "Pădurile din România" Facebook page, resulting in a collection of 319 responses over a three-day period (December 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2023). The participants in the survey also provided several valuable proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of an agroforestry based agricultural system to a monocropping farming system influences the distribution and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The aim of this paper was to analyze AMF species diversity, spore density, and root colonization across different agroforestry practices (AFP) in southern Ethiopia. Soil and root samples were collected from homegarden, cropland, woodlot, and trees on soil and water conservation-based AFP. AMF spores were extracted from the soil and species diversity was evaluated using morphological analysis and root colonization from root samples. The AMF spore density, root colonization and composition were significantly different among the AFP (P < 0.05). In this study, 43 AMF morphotypes belonging to eleven genera were found, dominated by Acaulospora (32.56%), followed by Claroideoglomus (18.60%). Home gardens had the highest spore density (7641.5 spore100 g− 1 dry soil) and the lowest was recorded in croplands (683.6 spore100 g− 1 dry soil). Woodlot had the highest root colonization (54.75%), followed by homegarden (48.25%). The highest isolation frequency (63.63%) was recorded for Acaulospora scrobiculata. The distribution of AMF species and diversity were significantly related to soil total nitrogen and organic carbon. The homegarden and woodlot AFP were suitable for soil AMF reserve and conservation. Article highlights: The homegarden and woodlot agroforestry practices are the best alternative mechanisms for conservation of soil AMF biodiversity. The agroforestry practices that are known with high surface vegetation cover results in conservation of soil AMF. The agricultural practices such as scattered trees on farm-based systems with intensive tillage impacts soil AMF communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of studies in agroforestry have primarily focused on boosting agricultural production, income generation, component interaction and less emphasized on the aspect of biodiversity. Several studies have called for more investigation to address the lack of understanding regarding the significance of agroforestry in conservation of plant biodiversity. This paper examined the role of agroforestry practices in conservation of perennial plant species diversity and the relationship that the perennial plant species diversity has with altitude, slope, and household wealth status. Data was collected from 216 sample plots of agroforestry practices using a multi-stage sampling system. The relationship between diversity indices and explanatory variables such as agroforestry practices, household wealth, altitude, and slope gradients were assessed using a generalized linear mixed model. The impact of these variables on plant species composition was evaluated using the Adonis2 function. Sorenson dissimilarity measures were used to determine the dissimilarities in species composition. A total of 135 perennial plant species with 58 families were identified, with natives accounting 68.15% of the total. The Fruit-tree-based agroforestry practices maintained significantly higher observed and expected number of species (p < 0.05). The values of the mean species richness, Shannon diversity, and Margalef indices per plot, were found to be 6.1 ± 0.65, 1.53 ± 0.32 and 6.37 ±.045 respectively. The dissimilarity in species composition between the two agroforestry practices was 0.53 while the Sorensen multiple-site dissimilarity measures among the kebeles was 0.72. The coffee-shade-tree based agroforestry practices deserved higher importance value index of species. The species richness, Shannon diversity and the importance value indices were significantly differed with respect to slope, altitude, agroforestry practices and household wealth status (p < 0.001). The species composition varied along altitudinal gradients, household wealth status and across the study kebeles (p = 0.005, 0.013, and 0.029, respectively). Finally, it is argued that agroforestry practices should be given more emphasis as a way of perennial plant species reservoirs in relation to the various socioeconomic and ecological factors in order to counterbalance the local threat of perennial plant species from their natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry is a specific type of agroecosystem that includes trees and shrubs with the potential to yield nutrient-rich products that contribute to human health. This paper reviews the literature on the human health benefits of tree nut and berry species commonly associated with agroforestry systems of the United States, considering their potential for preventing certain diet-related diseases. Emphasis is placed on those diseases that are most closely associated with poor outcomes from COVID-19, as they are indicators of confounding health prognoses. Results indicate that tree nuts reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, and walnuts (Juglans species) are particularly effective because of their unique fatty acid profile. Berries that are grown on shrubs have the potential to contribute to mitigation of hypertension, prevention of Type II diabetes, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. To optimize human health benefits, plant breeding programs can focus on the traits that enhance the naturally-occurring phytochemicals, through biofortification. Value-added processing techniques should be selected and employed to preserve the phytonutrients, so they are maintained through the point of consumption. Agroforestry systems can offer valuable human health outcomes for common diet-related diseases, in addition to providing many environmental benefits, particularly if they are purposefully designed with that goal in mind. The food system policies in the U.S. might be reoriented to prioritize these food production systems based on the health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The livelihoods of farmers in developing countries are often associated with the existence of forests, especially agroforestry. The dynamics of agroforestry and livelihoods could not be separated from the political context and developments in Indonesia. In this paper, the dynamics of Sustainable Livelihood Assets (SLA) owned by smallholder farmers are explored using three political sequences, namely the New Order Era, the Reform Era, and the Post-Reform Era. The result showed that the development of agroforestry in Gunungkidul had been primarily influenced by political initiatives that have a connection with vegetation coverage, livelihood assets, and species composition in the systems. The livelihoods possessed by farmers have been relatively sustainable during the past five decades; only a slight change could be observed in the ownership of capital. The political initiatives have been an enabling environment for agroforestry development that support sustainable livelihoods. The study recommends that the socio-political culture needs to consider the traditional agroforestry system in order to sustain the livelihoods of the people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is focused on the description of the black mulberry (Morus nigra), its ecology and the possibilities of its in vitro propagation for quick and efficient obtaining of a large quantity of clones in a relatively short time for subsequent planting or sale. Due to ongoing climate change, it is considerable to use mulberry trees in horticulture, agroforestry and forestry under the conditions of Central Europe. The use of the mulberry is conditioned by the availability of planting stock. A proven and successful method of mulberry propagation is in vitro cultivation. Based on literature review, the recommended composition of planting media and other procedures for in vitro cultivation of mulberries are presented. The aim of the article is to inform foresters about the possibilities of using the black mulberry tree in our conditions and, using its example, to point out the possibility of using non-standard species of trees both as part of adaptation measures to the expected climate change and as one of the options for increasing the biodiversity of the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a beneficial vegetable and oil crop that has found valuable use as food, paper, medicine, and oil. However, because of climate change, a lack of better okra cultivars that can resist drought has hampered okra production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and across the world. This study aimed to investigate the economic production of this vegetable in a forest setting. The okra (A. esculentus L.) experiment was conducted underneath three forest trees (i.e. Albizia lebbeck, Melia azedarach, and Leucaena leucocephala) in the agroforestry area. A single-factor Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was utilised. The sample was then separated into three groups: okra-L. leucocephala agroforestry, okra-M. azedarach agroforestry, and okra-A. lebbeck agroforestry. The findings of the study revealed that okra production had differed significantly in three agroforestry practices. The fresh okra yield was highest (10.20 ton/ha) in the okra-A. lebbeck agroforestry. The okra-L. leucocephala agroforestry (9.10 ton/ha) came in second, while the lowest yield was in the okra-M. azedarach agroforestry (8.90 ton/ha). Moreover, the okra-A. lebbeck agroforestry recorded the maximum benefit–cost ratio (3.97) for economic performance. This ratio was 21% and 14% higher compared to the respective performance of the okra-M. azedarach agroforestry and okra-L. leucocephala agroforestry. However, the highest amount of carbon sequestration (238.90 ton/ha/yr) was measured in the okra-M. azedarach agroforestry as well as (229.80 ton/ha/yr) in the okra-A. lebbeck agroforestry practice. Finally, the okra-A. lebbeck agroforestry practice would significantly increase production, touching financial benefit and ensuring sound environmental quality using the vacant woodlot space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of farmer-managed tree seedlings (FMTS) is pramount to impact agroforestry technology adoption. This paper presents the performances of FMTS of 3 avocado varieties (Hass, Ettinger and Fuerte) and one papaya variety (Solo) in three districts (Dugda, Adamitulu, and Lome). Thirty-six trials were established (12 trials per district) in 36 homsteads selected purposively. Each homestead was considered as a block in RCBD. Watering frequency was found higher in Dugda than the remaining districts. Seedling survival exhibited significant differences (α<0.05) among varieties with in and across districts. Survival of Solo papaya was significantly higher (α<0.05) at Dugda (91%) than in Adamitulu and Lome. Hass avocado reveled significantlly higher survival (91%) at Dugda than Ettinger and Fuerte across districs. Significant differences in Plot Volume Index (PVI, an integrative growth measurement) among varieties within and across districts indicated that seedling growth was influenced by variety, planting site and, watering fequency. PVI of Hass at Dugda was significantly higher (by 35% and 110%) than that of Ettinger and Fuerte, respectively. PVI of Solo Papaya at Dugda was significantly higher (α<0.05). Hass was found promising avocado variety for planting locations considered, and frequent watering was found crucial for good growth of the tested plant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry is practiced in Africa for food production and reducing biodiversity loss among others. Despite the potential of agroforestry, inadequate information exists on how women and youth practice it to combat food insecurity and income poverty in semi-arid lands. We assessed the contributions of women and youth in agroforestry to enhance food security and income generation. Data collection methods included household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. We employed Kruskal-Wallis statistical test to examine variations in responses between villages using SPSS, while content analysis was applied for qualitative data. Estimated mean crop yields in tons per hectare for agroforestry included: maize (1.98), sunflower (1.43), millet (2.34), sorghum (1.92), and cassava (32.1). For land without agroforestry, the yields were 1.08, 1.50, 1.72, 1.02, and 36.8 tons per hectare, respectively. The estimated average annual income per household from agroforestry was Tsh 1,367,304 (USD 586), compared to Tsh 767,211 (USD 329) from non-agroforestry systems. The main scholarly contributions of the paper are that engaging women and youth in agroforestry improves food security and alleviate poverty in Africa. Therefore, women and youth should receive technical and financial support to practice agroforestry for sustainable food production and reduced income poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies point to the social and environmental benefits of agroforestry, also in temperate regions such as Flanders. Nevertheless, farmers do not yet see agroforestry as an equally valuable option alongside other farming systems because of the uncertain economic profitability and the current incompatibility of this system with existing market conditions. This paper has the aim to identify and evaluate – existing and hypothetical- economic incentives for agroforestry in Flanders. Data was collected over the period 2015—2021 through focus groups at conferences and in thematic living labs in Flanders with a broad range of stakeholders (e.g. farmers, processors, policy makers, researchers, etc.). The results were analysed qualitatively in Nvivo12 to make a classification of incentives and instruments in a first phase. In a second phase they were evaluated based on an adjusted SAF (Suitability, Acceptability and Feasibility) framework. Four types of incentives were identified: (1) government based; (2) payment for agroforestry products; (3) payment for ecosystem services; and (4) community based incentives. Currently, the highest potential is expected from payment for ecosystem services and the least potential from payment for products and community-based incentives due to a lack of consumer demand for agroforestry products specifically and the unfamiliarity of agroforestry to a broader public. At the end of the data collection period, a positive evolution was already observed in the development of these instruments. To accelerate this evolution, initiatives supporting awareness among a broader public and more insights into the preferences of a wide range of stakeholders is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sericulture is a labor-intensive agro-industry business that can increase the community's welfare and support environmental improvement. In Indonesia, silk, as the final product of sericulture, is a potential non-timber forest product (NTFP) that provides benefits to livelihoods and the forest ecosystem. Silk is a fiber produced by the domestic silkworm or mulberry silk moth, Bombyx mori L., belonging to the Lepidopteran order, Bombycidae family, probably providing more than 99% of the world's silk. However, there are many challenges to its development at both upstream and downstream levels, including the availability of quality eggs, optimal and efficient cultivation, pest and disease control, a lack of policy support, unsustainable production, low product quality, and competition with imported products. This paper discusses the recent status and future directions of sericulture development in Indonesia. Improvements in technical and social-economic aspects can support the development of sericulture in Indonesia through increasing productivity in the upstream sector along with conducive downstream policies and governance. The domestic silkworm or mulberry silk moth, B. mori L., provides more than 99% of the world's silk. Silk, as a sericulture product, was first introduced in Indonesia through a trade mechanism and began to develop in 1953. Several factors (economic, ecological, market, and cultural) support sericulture and make it become one of the non-timber forest product priorities. However, the competitive advantages alone have not encouraged the development of prospective sericulture industry in Indonesia yet. This paper is a review of tropical sericulture development in Indonesia. The literature on the development of sericulture in Indonesia between 1989 and 2022 is used to describe conditions related to mulberry cultivation (moriculture), and silkworm rearing (sericulture), as well as the state of socio-economic development, culture, and institutions. Moriculture and sericulture techniques, socio-economic aspects, institutional arrangements, and community motivations are intertwined, creating a challenging atmosphere for sericulture development. There are potential resources, such as exploring quality mulberry production and quality silkworm production through research and development, valuable cultural aspects, and potential stakeholders to build network engagement. Commitment, cooperation, and action from all stakeholders are needed to enhance the development of sericulture in Indonesia. In this context, the central government can play an important role in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships in the development of integrated sericulture in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic mapping studies provide a snapshot of the literature based on systematic literature searches. In this systematic mapping study, the original research that links reforestation and livelihoods in the tropics was mapped and analysed to identify the trends, biases and gaps in the literature. In total, 339 papers from 92 journals were identified. Agroforestry Systems was the journal in which articles were most frequently published, and Cameroon and Indonesia the most frequently studied countries. The greatest number of authors came from the USA, and authors were most commonly affiliated with ICRAF. A limited collaboration between research groups in the tropical regions was identified. Anthropology and Social Sciences were the most frequent areas of research, especially in Africa. Latin America had more technical studies and more publications discussing payment for environmental services than the other regions. Based on the temporal analysis of the main terms in abstracts of the publications included, it was found that agriculture-related terms and terms related to the human component in the landscape were consistently prevalent in the literature relating reforestation and livelihoods throughout time. Agroforestry systems were especially important in small-scale reforestation and livelihoods. Trends, biases and gaps were discussed. Broader cooperation between tropical regions and between clusters of authors would be beneficial for research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of agroforestry, which is a combination of growing perennial trees along with crops and/or livestock in spatial and temporal arrangements, is recommended for improving the livelihoods of smallholders. Alike several other technologies, the adoption status of agroforestry innovations in sub-Saharan Africa is considered poor. Studies have shown that plethora of biophysical and socioeconomic variables affect adoption of agroforestry innovations. In these studies, the contribution of psychological variables determining the voluntary decision-making on agroforestry adoption decisions is often neglected and marginally explored. This paper aims at exploring the role of psychological variables for the sustained agroforestry adoption intention. We employed the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict sustained agroforestry adoption intentions of 327 farmers in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Intention for sustained agroforestry woodlots adoption is assessed by employing the confirmatory factor analysis. Farmers' intention to sustain adoption of agroforestry woodlot innovations is principally driven by their positive evaluation of the cash and livelihood benefits of the innovations (attitude) compared to traditional farming, their own capability to produce the innovations and accessibility of resources (perceived behavioral control), and the farmers' perception of pressure and expectations from experts and important others (subjective norms). By employing TPB, this study brings a theoretical contribution to the TPB framework and measurement guidelines, unveils limitations of applying confirmatory factor analysis in a 'new' (woodlots) context and suggests data-based policy and development implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]