Evolution of agroforestry research and development in Vietnam: opportunities and research gaps

Agroforestry is considered as one of the best approaches to deal with shifting cultivation and climate change. In Viet Nam, the practice of agroforestry has been documented since the 1960s under two common systems: ‘garden-fish pond-livestock’ and ‘forest-garden-fish pond-livestock’. However, not until 1990 were innovative agroforestry techniques and systems at the field level introduced in line with government ivation. Through intensive literature review, we outline the history of agroforestry research and development activities in Viet Nam, identify the drivers and agents of change and discuss the issues and challenges facing agroforestry in Viet Nam. The paper also discusses the opportunities and research gaps in agroforestry. Our analysis indicated that it is very important to put more effort into researching agroforestry systems that take into account local ecological knowledge and designing practices that enhance the multi-functionality of landscapes. In addition, demonstrating the role of these systems in improving livelihoods, enhancing resilience and in climate-change mitigation and adaption should be an important part of a more systematic research and developmentagenda agroforestry in Viet Nam.