Speakers - 2026

Title: Agroforestry: A viable alternative to achieve sustainable livestock production

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potentialities of Agroforestry for a sustainable agricultural production, with emphasis on those modalities where tree resources provide goods and services, whether in woodlands or off-forest (livestock) agroecosystems, under Cuban conditions. Findings come from on-farm research conducted by several Cuban institutions and carried out in different degraded agroecosystems (state-owned and –managed farms) devoted to milk, beef and timber production. Silvopastoral systems in grass-legume associations, legume protein banks and forest/fruit plantations together with alley cropping for forage production have been the most studied. The use of trees growing outside the forest and not belonging to the category of forests, forest lands or other wooded lands is an ancient practice of private farmers. All these agroforestry alternatives have in common: (i) not use of irrigation and chemical fertilizers, (ii) grazing with different number of paddocks and stocking rate, and (iii) the use local genotypes of small and large ruminants. Agroforestry has immense potential to support animal productivity. Many are long-term research results and many more are local experiences that have been developed for over 30 years, not only in Cuba but also en Africa, South Asia and Latin America. Unfortunately, their spread has not been satisfactory and, consequently, the potential of Agroforestry has not been effectively exploited. Agroforestry systems exemplify major opportunities for productivity enhancement, especially from livestock. The nature of livestock-trees interactions is variable and the benefits of the more positive effects are not yet recognized by farmers and policy makers. However, Agroforestry constitute a viable alternative to achieve sustainable agricultural production.

What will the audience take away from presentation?

• The audience will be able to obtain relevant information on the potential of different agroforestry systems to promote sustainable animal production, both theoretically and practically. This would contribute to promoting the adoption of these systems in the livestock sector of various countries, especially those located in tropical and subtropical regions.
• In addition, professor, scientists and technicians could at educational institutions and technical agencies could incorporate these scientific results into study programs and agricultural extension activities.
• Agroforestry systems are undoubtedly a practical and viable solution for the livestock sector in low-resource countries with adverse soil and climate conditions, particularly those located in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Agroforestry systems also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation