Quarter century of agroforestry research in Kerala: an overview.

Kerala with many woody perennial-based land use practices is one of the “Meccas” of agroforestry. Twenty-five years of research has demonstrated the potential of agroforestry as a sustainable production system in the state. Aspects such as system inventory and dynamics, species richness, belowground interactions, nutrient cycling, tree and stand management, carbon sequestration potential, timber and fuelwood properties, and socioeconomic aspects were the major themes investigated. Considering the state’s unique land use, demographic, political, and sociocultural characteristics, Kerala’s experience in agroforestry research is important to agroforestry development, especially in the humid tropical regions. Although agroforestry has received much attention from researchers, for its perceived ability to contribute to environmental quality, agrobiodiversity conservation, and nutrient cycling, the policy makers are yet to fully recognize such benefits and agroforestry extension is either weak or non-existent in the state. This calls for more process-oriented research and policy initiatives to promote agroforestry among the farmers of Kerala.