Carbon Offsetting in Agroforestry Systems

Abstract

Agroforestry is a land management system that intentionally integrates agriculture with trees to create resilient and productive landscapes that support biodiversity, soil health, and carbon sequestration. Financing a transition to agroforestry can pose a challenge for many farmers, but carbon offsetting has the potential to support these sustainable practices by providing a financial incentive to sequester carbon using this land management strategy. Although there are obstacles, integrating carbon offsetting into agroforestry systems has compelling potential for climate change mitigation, sustainable economic development, and environmental conservation. In partnership with the Duke Carbon Offsets Initiative, this research used semi-structured interviews with a diverse set of experts, promoters, and practitioners to explore benefits and barriers, strategies for success, and opportunities on the horizon for integrating carbon offsetting into agroforestry systems.