Question

State three objectives of agro-forestry.

What are the main objectives of agro-forestry?

Answer 1

Agro-forestry aims to maximise resource utilisation through scientific farming, soil and forest conservation, healthy animal rearing, crop yields, forest-based industries, tourism and recreation parks, resulting in improved human health, wealth and prosperity.

Answer 2

1. Socio-Economic Development: To supplement farmers’ incomes by providing regular revenue from a variety of sources, such as timber, fruits, and nuts. This decreases the likelihood of complete financial disaster if a single agricultural crop fails.
2. Meeting Rural Resource Needs: To provide a continuous supply of important resources such as fuelwood, cattle feed, small timber for farm equipment, and organic mulch directly on the farm, avoiding the need to harvest natural forests.
3. Ecological Protection and Soil Conservation: Improve the agricultural environment by reducing wind and water erosion of soil via tree root systems. It also increases soil fertility by incorporating organic matter from fallen leaves and facilitates nutrient cycling between deep-rooted trees and surface crops.