As Earth Day reminds us of the urgent need to protect our planet and people, it also spotlights the solutions that work- especially those led by the people most impacted by climate change. One such solution is agroforestry: the integration of trees and shrubs into farming systems.
Organizations like Trees for the Future (TREES), a UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Flagship, are proving that agroforestry is a powerful, farmer-led tool to accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). TREES has worked alongside more than 60,000 farmers to restore 42,000 hectares of land and plant over 370 million trees since 1989.
As the world approaches the 2030 SDG deadline, agroforestry offers a nature-based path forward, building food security, climate resilience, and economic opportunity from the ground up.
Agroforestry’s Impact Across the SDGs
SDG 1: No Poverty
Smallholder farmers, who make up over 65% of the world’s poor (FAO, 2021), often rely on degraded land and unstable incomes. TREES’ Forest Garden Approach helps farmers diversify their crops with fruit, timber, nuts, and honey- leading to an average 400% income increase over four years.
SDG 2 & 3: Zero Hunger and Good Health
Agroforestry restores soil and improves food yields- up to 300% higher according to the World Agroforestry Centre. TREES farmers grow over 20 types of food crops on average, providing diverse, year-round nutrition that supports healthier families.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
In rural areas where jobs are scarce, agroforestry creates sustainable livelihoods in tree nurseries, training programs, and farming enterprises. TREES has helped establish green jobs for more than 42,000 farmers and staff, driving local economies.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Agroforestry is also a tool for equity. 43% of TREES farmers are women, many of whom gain access to land and income for the first time. Training and resources help close gaps across gender and social groups.
SDG 13: Climate Action
“Farmer-led restoration is one of the most cost-effective, scalable tools we have for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity,” says Dr. Felix Ochieng, Environmental Policy Researcher.
Agroforestry systems can sequester up to 30% more carbon per hectare than conventional farms. TREES is helping farmers adapt to climate shifts while reducing emissions through long-term land restoration.
SDG 15: Life on Land
With agriculture driving over 90% of deforestation globally (FAO, 2022), agroforestry offers a restorative alternative. TREES has revived tens of thousands of hectares of degraded land, reintroducing native species and building habitat corridors for biodiversity.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Scaling agroforestry requires collaboration. TREES works with FAO, UNITAR and other international agencies, local governments, corporations, and research institutions to expand farmer-first programs backed by science and aligned with national policies.
Barriers to Adoption and How to Overcome Them
Despite agroforestry’s promise, it remains underutilized due to:
- Policy Gaps: Agroforestry is often excluded from agricultural, climate, and development frameworks.
- Funding Challenges: Programs are underfunded despite proven results across sectors.
- Training Access: Many farmers still lack access to agroforestry knowledge and tools.
To scale impact, governments and corporations must integrate agroforestry into national development plans and climate pledges. Funders and investors should prioritize nature-based solutions that deliver co-benefits for people and the planet.
A Proven Model: The Forest Garden Approach
TREES’ Forest Garden Approach is a community-led model for agroforestry that has improved the lives of over 300,000 people globally. With proper training, farmers transform degraded fields into thriving Forest Gardens, increasing food production, income, and ecosystem health.
Impact to date
- 370+ million trees planted
- 42,000+ hectares restored
- 60,000+ farmers and staff with sustainable livelihoods
What You Can Do: As the 2030 SDG deadline nears, the world needs solutions that work. Agroforestry is one of them. Backed by science and led by farmers, it delivers measurable results across climate, food systems, and livelihoods.
Join TREES in scaling what works
- Advocate for policies that support agroforestry
- Fund agroforestry in your corporate or philanthropic strategy
- Partner with TREES to reach more farmers and restore more land
Let’s invest in a future where nature and communities thrive- together.
Photo credits: Trees for the Future