FUNCITREE

Functional Diversity: An ecological framework for sustainable and adaptable agro-forestry systems in landscapes of semi-arid and arid eco-regions

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The increasing demand of livestock products, larger climate uncertainty and resource degradation, and the rampant poverty of farmers in the semi-arid tropics calls for modernized agroforestry systems (AFS) capable of providing multiple functions. The project will develop regionally specific, trait-based and field tested AFS capable of providing critical agro-ecosystem functions in semi-arid Africa and Central America. The primary objective is to provide farmers with a portfolio of regionally suitable tree and shrub species organized by their traits or attributes, in relation to the provisioning of multiple services, as perceived by the farmers and in terms of fundamental ecological functions. The project will make substantial contributions to AF and ecological science through its integration of theories and concepts from both fields, and will thereby provide a scientifically based model for the design of modernized AFS. The project will identify, and characterize the main factors influencing the adoption/non adoption of AF in selected target areas. It will improve the performance of AFS in dry and marginal areas with particular focus on how species can be assembled according to their traits to improve the multi-functionality of AFS and will identify the potential of new multipurpose tree species suitable for AF in dry and marginal areas by grouping these species according to their functional traits and their capacity to provide critical AFS services. The project will specifically enhance the synergies between the species traits and model how trait combinations contribute to the multi-functionality of AFS including soil, trees, crop/pasture and livestock. We will evaluate the short and medium environmental impacts of AF and its socio-economic implications through sophisticated interdisciplinary models and will produce policy recommendations aimed at promoting AFS and related husbandry practices best adapted to specific local needs, yet universal in scope.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Researchers have studied the agricultural and ecological role of various tree species to help African and South American farmers adjust to climate change.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Rapidly spreading desertification in Africa and South America is having a major impact on farmers' livelihoods. Agroforestry systems can help these farmers become more resilient, but improved knowledge of tree species and how they interact with the environment is needed.

The EU-funded http://funcitree.nina.no (FUNCITREE) project aimed at helping farmers in these regions. It thus set out to provide portfolios of regionally suitable tree species, based on theories and concepts from agroforestry and ecological science.

First, FUNCITREE had to understand what farmers want and need. Researchers assessed how trees were being used and valued in three case study areas in Mali, Nicaragua and Senegal.

They evaluated biophysical conditions, which entailed the production of landform and soil maps. In addition, the team characterised the social groups managing the land, including preferences in terms of tree and shrub species and how they are used.

Researchers investigated how farmers used trees in Africa and South America, and linked this to traits of trees. They also compiled lists of tree species in various areas and catalogued their functions, according to the local farmers.

In particular, FUNCITREE looked at which tree traits are associated with ecosystem services like soil quality, food and forage. From this, scientists could study how different species affected the productivity of plants below them (the understorey) and the role of different trees in carbon cycling.

With higher temperatures and lower rainfall now predicted in the arid and semi-arid tropics, an overall reduction of rangelands and livestock production will have drastic effects. At risk are food security, fuel production, biodiversity conservation, and even cultural and social values among many of the world's most vulnerable populations.

FUNCITREE concluded that diverse groups of tree species were required to provide the agricultural and ecological functions envisioned by the project. Project outcomes should help farmers to increase resilience to a changing climate before the worst effects can be felt.