Agroforestry is a land management approach that integrates trees, crops, and sometimes livestock into a single, productive system. It’s a centuries-old practice that’s been reimagined for today’s climate challenges – one that boosts food production, supports biodiversity, and locks away carbon.

By combining the ecological benefits of forests with the productivity of agriculture, agroforestry offers a nature-based climate solution that removes carbon while improving livelihoods and restoring degraded land. It’s practical, proven, and scalable, especially in the Global South where farmers are already adapting to shifting weather patterns and declining soil health.

How agroforestry removes carbon

Trees absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis and store it in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. But agroforestry also improves soil health, by enhancing organic matter and storing carbon below ground over the long term.

Agroforestry systems remove carbon in several ways:

Tree biomass stores carbon in wood and leaves
Root systems improve soil structure and carbon content
Ground cover reduces erosion and carbon loss
Diversified cropping reduces pressure to clear forests

According to research, agroforestry can sequester up to 16 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year, depending on the system design, climate, and tree species used.

Beyond carbon: The wider benefits of agroforestry

Agroforestry is not just about carbon—it’s about creating regenerative agricultural systems that deliver long-term social and environmental value.

Beyond carbon sequestration, the benefits of agroforestry include:

Improved food security: Trees provide fruits, nuts, timber, and animal fodder
Biodiversity restoration: More trees mean more habitats for wildlife
Water resilience: Tree roots enhance water retention and reduce runoff
Income diversification: Farmers can sell tree products alongside crops
Climate adaptation: Shaded crops are more resilient to heat and drought

In fact, some studies show that agroforestry systems can improve yields by up to 40% compared to monoculture farming.

Challenges to scaling agroforestry

While the potential is clear, adopting agroforestry at scale takes time and support, and there are a number of frequently faced barriers to overcome. Farmers often need upfront investment, training, and long-term land tenure to make it work.

Transitioning to agroforestry may mean waiting years for trees to mature, which can delay returns. It also requires a shift in farming practices and mindsets—something that’s more achievable when supported by trusted partners, access to carbon finance, and fair benefit-sharing models.

Meet the projects: Agroforestry in action

Across the Global South, projects are already proving what’s possible when farmers are at the centre of climate solutions:

Opna works with Varaha, a leading carbon project developer partnering with smallholder farmers across India to implement agroforestry and regenerative agriculture. By combining native tree planting with biochar production, Varaha helps farmers improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and diversify income—all while generating high-integrity carbon removal credits. Their approach ensures that the majority of carbon revenue flows directly to the farmers, creating shared value and long-term impact.

Other leading agroforestry developers in the space include:

Fair Climate Fund India, which supports community-driven agroforestry models that generate verified carbon credits while improving food and energy security.

Cultivo, which applies data-driven methods to scale ecosystem restoration projects globally, including agroforestry systems across Latin America, Africa, and India.

These projects show that when designed with care and local input, agroforestry can be a game-changer for climate, communities, and nature.

Scaling mangrove restoration for climate impact

Mangrove ecosystems represent a unique opportunity for durable carbon removal and adaptation in tandem. According to the Global Mangrove Alliance, preventing the loss of just 1% of global mangrove area could protect 200 million tonnes of CO₂ stored along our global coastlines.

Restoring mangrove forests to their natural range as far as possible would further bolster blue carbon sinks, while delivering protection and income to hundreds of thousands of people. Nature-based solutions like mangroves are central to achieving net zero, especially when rooted in strong local partnerships and community-led governance.

Agroforestry as part of your climate strategy

For businesses looking to support high-integrity, nature-based carbon removal, agroforestry offers a powerful and scalable pathway. It’s not just about planting trees—it’s about regenerating land, improving lives, and building long-term resilience.

At Opna, we work with trusted agroforestry projects that are delivering measurable impact on the ground. Get in touch at hi@opna.earth to learn how agroforestry can support your sustainability goals.