Carbon Sequestration Potential of Agroforestry Systems in Tropical Environments

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to examine the carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in tropical environments. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems in tropical environments. Preliminary empirical review revealed that agroforestry systems in tropical environments significantly enhance carbon sequestration, with performance influenced by species diversity, management practices, and ecological conditions. These systems also offered added benefits like biodiversity conservation and improved livelihoods, though more localized data and long-term studies were needed to optimize their effectiveness. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Carbon Cycle Dynamics, The Social-Ecological Systems (SES) Theory and The Theory of Ecosystem Services may be used to anchor future studies on the carbon sequestration potential. The study recommended integrating agroforestry into climate policies, supporting farmer adoption through incentives and training, enhancing monitoring tools, and strengthening theoretical models to include both ecological and socio-economic factors for more impactful and sustainable implementation.