The Himalayan region represents one of the world’s most ecologically significant and environmentally sensitive mountain landscapes. Its diverse ecosystems support millions of people whose livelihoods depend directly on forests, agriculture, livestock, water resources, and other natural assets. However, climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, declining agricultural productivity, and increasing pressure on natural resources are creating serious challenges for the sustainability of mountain communities. In this context, agroforestry has emerged as an important land-use strategy capable of integrating agricultural production, tree-based systems, ecological restoration, and livelihood improvement.
Agroforestry in the Himalayas: Climate Resilience, Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Mountain Livelihoods presents a broad perspective on the role of agroforestry in addressing the environmental and socioeconomic challenges of the Himalayan region. The book highlights the contribution of traditional and emerging agroforestry systems to climate-change adaptation and mitigation, carbon sequestration, soil and water conservation, biodiversity protection, nutrient cycling, and restoration of degraded landscapes. It also examines how the integration of trees with crops and livestock can diversify farm production, strengthen household income, enhance food and nutritional security, and improve the resilience of rural livelihoods.
Particular attention is given to ecosystem services, sustainable natural-resource management, indigenous knowledge, livelihood diversification, and climate-smart land-use practices suited to fragile mountain environments. The book further emphasizes the importance of scientific innovation, participatory approaches, supportive policies, institutional mechanisms, and community involvement in promoting sustainable agroforestry development.
Designed for researchers, students, academicians, policymakers, extension professionals, development practitioners, and natural-resource managers, this volume aims to strengthen understanding of agroforestry as a multifunctional approach for achieving ecological sustainability, climate resilience, and livelihood security across the Himalayan landscape.
