Cacao plantation in the ‘Eco-Cacao’ project in Peru.
Photo: © Blanca Ivañez-Ballesteros/Shutterstock.com

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Call to promote tree crop agriculture

Tree crops play a crucial role in tackling climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, they often remain overlooked in policies.

Not only are tree crops essential to feed the world and for global economies, but they also hold immense potential for protecting biodiversity and the climate, as well as improving livelihoods for millions of people world-wide. An international research team, with the participation of Göttingen University in Germany, are urging policy-makers to develop specific agendas to promote sustainable practices in tree crop agriculture.

Tree crops – for example, apple, cherry, olives, nuts, coffee and cacao – cover more than 183 million hectares world-wide, yet remain largely overlooked in agricultural policies, despite their critical role in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
 
Agricultural policies typically focus on annual crops – such as wheat, sunflowers or rice – which have much shorter life cycles, lasting just one year from germination to harvest. While fostering sustainable practices in crops like wheat is also important, the ecological benefits of these systems are often limited due to their simpler vegetation and shorter harvest cycle. Tree crops, by contrast, are more complex, including several layers of vegetation – herbaceous, shrubs, trees – and provide stable habitats that can support biodiversity when managed sustainably.
 
With their permanent root systems and extensive leaf litter, tree crops also prevent soil erosion, enhance its fertility and provide habitats for many species year-round. They contribute to greenhouse gas reduction through carbon sequestration, improve habitat connectivity for fragmented ecosystems and buffer protected areas from the impacts of intensive agriculture. Tree crops tend to be less mechanised and require more manual labour, offering vital employment opportunities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where these crops are widespread.
 
The researchers call for the implementation of regulations, financial incentives and supportive policies aimed at improving agricultural practices for tree crops to maximise their contribution to global sustainability. 

(Göttingen University/ile)

Visit the Göttingen University website

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  • user
    Karim Magesa Ekingo February 6, 2025 At 12:00 pm
    Promoting tree crop agriculture is a powerful approach to achieving both environmental sustainability and economic growth. Tree crops like coffee, cocoa, cashew, avocado, and timber can provide a long-term source of income for farmers and help conserve the environment. The following are some key points on promoting tree crop agriculture:
    1. Economic value: Tree crops have the potential to significantly boost local economies. Many tree crops, such as cocoa and coffee, are in high demand globally. By promoting tree crop agriculture, we can create more job opportunities, especially for rural populations, and increase export potential.
    2. Environmental benefits: Tree crops are crucial for soil health and biodiversity. They help prevent soil erosion, enhance soil fertility through nutrient cycling, and contribute to carbon sequestration. Additionally, growing tree crops in agroforestry systems can increase biodiversity and improve water retention in ecosystems.
    3. Long-term investment: Unlike annual crops, tree crops take time to mature, requiring a longer-term investment. However, they offer sustainable returns over the years, making them a valuable asset to farmers. Ensuring that farmers have access to credit and markets for these crops can encourage them to make the initial investment.
    4. Sustainable practices: Promoting sustainable tree crop agriculture involves encouraging practices that do not harm the environment, such as integrated pest management, organic farming methods, and using agroforestry techniques. This helps reduce deforestation and land degradation.
    5. Climate change resilience: Tree crops can help mitigate and adapt to climate change. They can act as buffers against extreme weather conditions, such as floods and droughts, by stabilizing the soil and providing shade and windbreaks. In addition, some tree crops like trees used for timber can help absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
    6. Challenges: While tree crop agriculture holds immense promise, it also comes with challenges, such as initial investment costs, access to markets, the risk of pests and diseases, and the effects of climate change. Therefore, providing farmers with knowledge, financial support, and insurance mechanisms is crucial for success.
    7. Inclusive growth: By promoting tree crop agriculture, it is important to ensure that marginalized groups, such as women and youth, are included in the value chain. Empowering these groups through access to resources, training, and market opportunities is essential for the growth of the sector.
    Overall, promoting tree crop agriculture can contribute to sustainable livelihoods, protect the environment, and support rural development. With the right support systems in place, it can drive long-term economic growth while helping to address challenges like food security and climate change.