Agroforestry combines forestry with agriculture. This can include incorporating trees in farming systems, farming in forests, along forest margins and tree crop production. Integrating trees in farming systems can significantly improve the resilience of a farm. Trees provide shade and wind protection, creating microclimates helping to withstand extreme temperatures, droughts and extreme weather events. The deep roots of trees will stimulate nutrient cycles in the soil, improving soil health and preventing erosion. Growing tree crops helps farmers to diversify their livelihood strategies. The syntropic farming system is one of the subcategories of the agroforestry systems.

Feasibility & Local Applicability

Dependent on local environmental conditions and skills

Co-benefits

Carbon capture, Soil carbon storage, habitat for birds and insects, shade against heat, 

Equity & Vulnerability Considerations

Agroforestry requires long-term investments and specific knowledge. Farmers should be supported in transitioning towards agroforestry systems.

Costs

Medium 

Case studies & Examples

• Voedselbossen Curaçao helpen ook immigranten integreren
• Working with nature: introducing syntropic agroforestry to St. Eustatius
• Workshop: dive into syntropic farming
• Living Soil Aruba

Literature

• B. Visser (2024) ZONMW - Curacao's food security during and pre-covid19 - evaluation of the island's food availability, accessibility, utilisation and diet related healthcare costs
• Veenvliet, J., (2024), Syntropic farming on Bonaire
• Post, P., Hengsdijk, H., (2023), Inventory and characterisation of food systems on Bonaire