The conference will delve into four thematic areas, encompassing key findings, recent methodologies, innovations, and tools for research and development, drawing from experiences across North America, Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, and South America, bridging both temperate and tropical agroforestry contexts. These themes are as follows:
Agroforestry with Perennial Crops
In this session, we will spotlight essential perennial crops, notably coffee, cocoa, and palms, and extend the invitation to other tropical centers to share their insights on these perennials as well as other varieties such as fruit trees, rubber, and palms. We will explore the wealth of research on the provisioning services these systems offer, as well as methodologies and tools for research, design, and rejuvenation of agroforestry systems featuring perennial crops. Particular emphasis will be placed on platforms and tools for training, capacity building, and knowledge generation.
Subtopics:
Agroforestry with Annual Crops
In the tropical agroforestry context, we will shine a spotlight on the cultivation of beans and maize in conjunction with trees. We will draw upon significant experiences from regions like the Central American dry corridor, humid areas of Central America and Mexico, and countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Bolivia. We invite temperate researchers to contribute valuable insights from their work with wheat, corn, and other cereals. The session will encompass agroforestry systems like alley cropping and improved fallows.
Subtopics:
Linear Planting
Linear planting, used to shield crops from strong winds or provide shade, plays a crucial role in agroforestry systems, whether in temperate or tropical regions. Linear planting serves diverse purposes, from timber and fruit production to live fences. This session will showcase experiences from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, as well as insights from AFTA and its affiliated centers regarding perennial crops and linear planting agroforestry systems in North America. Additionally, we will explore findings related to vineyards and other small fruit crops combined with trees, appealing to a broad audience.
Subtopics:
Silvopastoral Systems
This session will delve into the sustainable intensification of livestock through silvopastoral systems (SSP), which contribute to increased productivity, biodiversity, and decarbonization of livestock activities. We will also explore agroforestry production models involving minor animals such as goats and pigs, within both natural and intensive grazing systems. CATIE will share its experiences in the Latin American region, while AFTA will encourage temperate researchers to contribute their insights into SSP within temperate regions.
Furthermore, this session will encompass governance and incentives for SSP, including governance experiences at local, national, and regional levels, the role of knowledge management platforms in promoting decarbonization strategies, support for policymakers, and compliance with nationally determined commitments (NDC). We will also explore mechanisms for climate financing, emphasizing the construction of public-private alliances to facilitate the formal adoption and scaling of SSP technologies across the region.
Subtopics:
Education, Capacity Building, and Dissemination:
Explore the integration of agroforestry within academia, productivity of research, and its incorporation into university curricula, short-term training programs, and farmer field schools. Assess its relevance within legal frameworks and environmental policies. Discuss multifunctional landscapes and strategies for increased dissemination. Topics to be discussed include agroforestry research in academia, capacity building approaches, tools for disseminating research outputs, agroforestry adoption at the policy level, and public-private alliances.
Enabling Environments (Legal, Governance, Institutional, Financial):
Share experiences concerning legal frameworks and restrictions affecting agroforestry promotion, governance enhancements for agroforestry, and the strengthening of institutional networks to secure funding for agroforestry projects.
Networking and Communication:
Explore prominent platforms in agroforestry and engage in discussions on how to enhance communications, share methodologies, findings, and foster collaborative efforts.
Rolando Cerda
📩 rcerda@catie.ac.crÂ
📞 (506) 2558-2128
Claudia Sepúlveda
📩 csepul@catie.ac.cr
📞 (506) 2558-2209