Socioeconomic and ecological sustainability of agroforestry

Abstract The global adoption of the agroforestry system has gained popularity in the last few decades. Despite the long history of adoption, it remains debatable whether agroforestry can simultaneously improve environmental sustainability and people’s livelihood. Nevertheless, several studies have shown the positive impacts of agroforestry on biodiversity and nature conservation while promoting economic activities in rural areas. The question remains, however, particularly on the extent to which agroforestry can reduce economic and ecological trade-offs, thereby maximizing its benefits to the people and nature. This chapter emphasizes how agroforestry contributes to socioeconomic and ecological sustainability, its benefits, and potential pitfalls that may affect the system adoption across the globe.