Promoting oil palm-based agroforestry systems: an asset for the sustainability of the sector

The massive development of industrial and smallholders' oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations was generally conducted according to the monocrop model. However, alternative cropping systems have emerged, turning to more diversified systems by combining various crops inside the oil palm plots. By giving this plant a status equivalent to that of a tree, these systems correspond to agroforestry systems. In the present study, thirty-nine agroforestry systems were identified worldwide, through a preliminary literature review, NGO websites review and experts survey. Our results reveal five different types of oil palm agroforestry systems: i) associations with livestock during the production phase of the oil palm; ii) traditional African palms and food crops systems sustained over time; iii) associations with food crops during the juvenile phase of the oil palm; iv) systems developed by family farms that permanently associate other plants; and v) prototype designs developed by research institutions, often at the request of local agricultural enterprises. The spatiotemporal description of these systems enabled to identify associated ecosystem services. Building from various proposals of biodiversity insertion in a monoculture to convert it into an agroforestry system, the present study offers new perspectives for the sustainable development of palm oil production.

Automated summary

The present study identifies and describes different types of oil palm agroforestry systems, offering new perspectives for the sustainable development of palm oil production. By combining various crops inside the oil palm plots, these systems provide more diversified planting patterns and associated ecosystem services.