Modelling agroforestry systems

Publication date: 08/05/2019
Extent: 30 pages

Contributions by: Paul Burgess and Anil Graves, Cranfield University, UK; Silvestre García de Jalón, Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), Spain; João Palma, MV Agroecology Research Centre, Portugal; Christian Dupraz, INRA-System, University of Montpellier, France; and Meine van Noordwijk, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Kenya

Chapter synopsis: An agroforestry system is an interconnecting network of woody vegetation with crops and/or animals that work together. This chapter sets out to discuss how to model such systems, which can be highly complex in nature. In the first section, the authors look at the current state of agroforestry modelling, going on to describe two European agroforestry projects that involved modelling, the Silvoarable Agroforestry For Europe (SAFE) project and the AGroFORestry that Will Advance Rural Development (AGFORWARD) project. Looking towards the future, the final section considers current agroforestry modelling needs and potential trends. The authors stress that it is important to note that agroforestry models have a role beyond just agroforestry. Other points for consideration must also include the accessibility of agroforestry models, the benefits of long-term support, the need to know when to stop model development, the availability of data and societal assessments.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2018.0041.13