Weight-of-evidence approach for assessing agroforestry contributions to restore key ecosystem services in tropical dry forests

Worldwide deforestation and degradation are limiting the capacity of tropical dry forests (TDFs) to provide environmental services. Agroforestry systems (AFSs) are agricultural land systems that combining perennial elements with crops, can provide important benefits to people (e.g. timber and non-timber products) and the environment (e.g. hosting biodiversity). Using a semi-quantitative methodology (i.e. weight of evidence), we assessed the role of the three main types of AFSs (intercropping, multistrata and silvopastoral and protective systems) in restoring key ecosystem services in TDFs. We found that each type of AFSs contributed differently to soil quality restoration, productivity, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and culture preservation. Yet, AFSs can also deliver few disservices, such as yield reductions. Despite the identified knowledge gaps, such as the carbon sequestration capacity, our findings indicate that AFSs can contribute to restore TDFs by providing valuable ecosystem services to halt degradation and sustain people's livelihood.

Automated summary

Worldwide deforestation and degradation are affecting the capacity of tropical dry forests (TDFs) to provide environmental services. Agroforestry systems (AFSs) can help restore key ecosystem services in TDFs by combining perennial elements with crops, although they may also have some negative impacts, such as yield reductions. Despite some knowledge gaps, our findings indicate that AFSs can contribute to the restoration of TDFs and the well-being of local communities by providing valuable ecosystem services.