The new Organic Africa Training Manual chapter "Agroforestry in the Sahel" draws on research and farmers' experiences from across the Sahel region to provide practical guidance on integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems for improved soil fertility, crop yields, climate resilience, and household income.
The chapter covers:
- System design: How to plan mixed systems with trees, shrubs, and crops working together
- Soil improvement: Agroforestry practices that restore soil health and productivity
- Climate adaptation: How trees and shrubs enhance resilience to drought and climate variability
- Livestock integration: Approaches for combining trees with animal management
- Food security and income: Benefits beyond crop production for household nutrition and market opportunities
"Agroforestry offers Sahel farmers proven strategies to address multiple challenges—land degradation, food insecurity, and climate impacts—all within one integrated system," explains Lilian Beck, the chapter's responsible author. "This resource brings together scientific evidence with practical farmer knowledge to make these approaches accessible to extension workers, trainers, and farming communities."
The chapter is part of Module 11 of the African Organic Agriculture Training Manual, a freely accessible resource designed to support capacity building across the continent.
Access the chapter in English and French:https://www.organic-africa.net/organic-agriculture/african-organic-agriculture-training-manual/agroforestry-in-the-sahel.html