Promises and potentials do not grow trees and crops. A review of institutional and policy research in agroforestry for the Southern African region

BACKGROUND:

Agroforestry has been recognized for its potential to address land management challenges, improve food security, and support rural livelihoods, but its widespread adoption remains limited. Institutional and policy barriers, including weak coordination among sectors and inadequate incentives, hinder its integration into national and local frameworks. Strengthening policies, institutions, and research on the social and economic dimensions of agroforestry is essential for its successful implementation and long-term impact.

GOALS AND METHODS:

The paper aims to evaluate how agroforestry is institutionalized in research and practice within Southern Africa, highlighting key policy and institutional issues affecting its adoption and effectiveness. It employs a comprehensive literature review of 43 peer-reviewed articles and conducts seven expert interviews to delve into institutional and policy dynamics within the region. The study uses both theoretical frameworks and empirical data to assess the status of agroforestry's institutionalization, exploring the roles of national policies, the impact of institutional arrangements, and the extent of scientific engagement with these issues.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS:

The paper concludes that despite agroforestry's potential, its success in Southern Africa is limited by inadequate institutional and policy support, which hampers effective adoption and scaling. The authors suggest that targeted policy reforms and stronger institutional frameworks are necessary to bridge the adoption gap and fully leverage agroforestry's benefits for sustainable land management and rural development.