Himalayan Agroforestry Systems : Challenges and Opportunity to Sustainable Development

This new volume in the Advances in Agroforestry book series is dedicated to the agroforestry systems of the Indian Himalayan region. As traditional agroforestry systems face the pressures of climate change, this volume provides a critical analysis of integrated farming systems that optimize land use and enhance the socio-economic status of rural communities in diverse Himalayan landscapes. Key concepts such as agrobiodiversity, multipurpose trees, and agri-horticulture systems are meticulously analyzed, offering insights into their roles in sustainable development. Central environmental and ecological aspects are also addressed, including tree biomass and carbon sequestration, soil carbon storage, fodder nutritive value, allelopathic interactions, and climate change perceptions and mitigation practices. The volume also covers socio-economic dimensions, exploring the integration of medicinal plants and wild edibles as pathways for livelihood improvement and income diversification. Additional chapters highlight bamboo-based livelihood development and modern techniques in agroforestry practices across the Western and North-western Himalaya. Targeted at researchers, scholars, and practitioners in agroforestry, environmental science, and sustainable development, this book is ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of agroforestry systems in the Himalayan region. It is also suitable for students and academics across related disciplines, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable agroforestry practices.