Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are critical tools in the process of defining, communicating, and potentially reporting national-level emission reduction targets as set in the Paris Agreement. Agroforestry is one of the main pathways towards meeting this target. 

Though an old practice, agroforestry continues to attract science, policy and practice interest globally, and covers an estimated 1.6 billion hectares globally and supports over 1.2 billion people directly. Agroforestry aids in reducing GHG emissions in ways that include carbon sequestration, carbon sinking, building soil organic carbon content, and aiding in avoided deforestation and degradation.

However, the development of sustainable agroforestry systems is constrained by numerous financial, policy, technological, and socioeconomic challenges, which vary depending on the context in which it is practised. Addressing these challenges requires multifaceted approaches – cutting across research, policies and practices.

This session will discuss and highlight lessons, challenges and opportunities for enhancing the contributions of agroforestry to achieving NDCs. It will bring together practitioners from the government, research and development, and private sector to share their experiences in agroforestry practices and how the practice can be enhanced further for multiple ecological and livelihood benefits.