Chapter 5: Human dimensions of agroforestry systems
| Authors: | Craig Elevitch, J.B. Friday, Kathleen Friday, Frank K. Lake, Diomy Zamora, Katherine MacFarland |
| Year: | 2017 |
| Type: | General Technical Report |
| Station: | Washington Office |
| Source: | In: Schoeneberger, Michele M.; Bentrup, Gary; Patel-Weynand, Toral, eds. 2017. Agroforestry: Enhancing resiliency in U.S. agricultural landscapes under changing conditions. Gen. Tech. Report WO-96. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. |
Abstract
The success of agroforestry in adapting and mitigating climate change depends on many human dimensions surrounding agroforestry. This chapter reviews research on the adoption of new practices by landowners and examines cultural perspectives on agroforestry. Diverse and complex motivators for conservation decisionmaking reflect the diversity of landowners, land management practices, and ecosystems and provide a variety of opportunities to encourage agroforestry adoption.
The chapter also reviews tribal and indigenous systems as models for modern resiliency. Affirmation of time-tested traditional agroforestry practices will help raise awareness and appreciation of traditional knowledge, with due respect to its indigenous origins. These diverse practices can play a vital role in reducing food insecurity, particularly on U.S.-affiliated tropical islands where the majority of food is imported. Practices by American Indians across the United States and practices on U.S.-affiliated tropical islands are highlighted and discussed in terms of building resilient operations, landscapes, and communities.