Climate change is one of the biggest challenges faced by Bangladesh today. The agriculture sector is especially vulnerable to its impacts, as the country is highly dependent on it for food security and livelihoods. To mitigate the effects of climate change, there is a need for sustainable solutions that can adapt to changing weather patterns while ensuring food security and livelihoods. One such solution is climate-smart agroforestry, which combines the benefits of agroforestry and climate-smart agriculture.
What is Climate Smart Agroforestry?
Climate-smart agroforestry is a land-use system that combines the benefits of agroforestry and climate-smart agriculture. It involves growing trees, crops, and livestock together to maximize their benefits while minimizing their negative impacts on the environment. Climate-smart agroforestry considers the changing weather patterns and aims to adapt to them while mitigating the effects of climate change.
Benefits of Climate Smart Agroforestry
Climate-smart agroforestry offers several benefits, including:
- Improved soil health and fertility
- Increased biodiversity
- Carbon sequestration and reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Increased resilience to climate change
- Enhanced food security and livelihoods
- Reduced soil erosion and improved water quality
Examples of Climate Smart Agroforestry in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, climate-smart agroforestry is being implemented in different parts of the country. The following are some examples:
- In the coastal areas of Khulna, farmers are growing saline-resistant crops like mangrove apples, coconut, and date palm alongside shrimp farming. This has increased their income and improved food security.
- In the hilly regions of Chittagong, farmers are growing vegetables and spices like ginger and turmeric alongside timber trees like teak and mahogany. This has provided a source of income and improved soil health.
- Farmers in the Haor areas of Sunamganj are growing floating gardens on water bodies using local plant species. This has improved food security and provided an alternative livelihood for the farmers.
- According to a study conducted by the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), agroforestry in Bangladesh can help reduce the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector by 26%. Additionally, it can increase crop yields by up to 50% while improving soil health and water management.
Tree based Examples of climate-smart agroforestry in Bangladesh
One example of climate-smart agroforestry in Bangladesh is the use of mango trees in rice fields. Mango trees are planted in a way that does not interfere with the rice crop but provides multiple benefits. The trees provide shade, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil health. Additionally, mangoes are harvested and sold as an additional source of income for farmers.
Another example is the use of leguminous trees in tea plantations. Trees such as Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, and Sesbania grandiflora are planted in tea plantations to improve soil fertility and provide shade. These trees also fix nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and contributing to climate change mitigation.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the benefits of climate-smart agroforestry, there are challenges to its implementation in Bangladesh. These include:
- Lack of awareness and knowledge among farmers
- Limited access to finance and technology
- Policy and institutional constraints
- Land tenure issues
To overcome these challenges, there is a need for:
- Increased awareness and training for farmers
- Access to finance and technology
- Supportive policies and institutional frameworks
- Resolving land tenure issues
Opportunities for climate-smart agroforestry in Bangladesh
Despite the benefits of agroforestry, its adoption in Bangladesh has been limited. Some barriers to adoption include a need for more awareness, technical knowledge, and financial resources. However, there are opportunities for promoting climate-smart agroforestry in Bangladesh.
Firstly, government policies that incentivize the adoption of agroforestry can be introduced. Secondly, extension services can be provided to farmers to educate them on the benefits of agroforestry and how to implement it. Thirdly, farmers can be provided with financial resources to support the initial investment in agroforestry systems.
Call to Action
The Need for Climate-Smart Agroforestry in Bangladesh: Climate-smart agroforestry has the potential to transform the agriculture sector in Bangladesh by improving food security, enhancing livelihoods, and mitigating the effects of climate change. To realize its full potential, there is a need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and development partners. By adopting climate-smart agroforestry practices, Bangladesh can build a more sustainable and resilient future for its agriculture sector and its people.
