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Are you a farmer looking to see if Agroforestry may be right for your farming enterprise? Please contact: Laura Rieber, Jr. Extension Agent for Pacific Crops at laura.rieber@hawaii.edu or call 808-969-8272 to schedule an appointment.

Agroforestry in Hawaii

For information regarding the history of agroforestry in Hawaii please visit: Forgotten forests: Agroforestry was substantial component of traditional Hawaiʻi

What is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry involves strategically integrating trees and shrubs with crops and livestock to enhance land use. This approach is tailored to meet the unique goals of your farm or community. By implementing agroforestry practices, you can diversify your products and markets, increase farm income, and improve soil and water quality. Additionally, these practices help reduce erosion, limit non-point source pollution, and mitigate flooding damage.

Agroforestry also supports land and aquatic habitats, boosting biodiversity and sustaining land resources for future generations. In a changing climate, agroforestry can enhance resilience to extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods. Furthermore, tree-based practices capture significant amounts of carbon, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and helping you meet future environmental goals.

Articles from CTAHR

Small-Scale Polyculture Agroforestry Systems: Enhancing Food Security and Sustainability 

Kyle Franks, Maui County Extension, University of Hawaii at Mānoa

 Recent studies highlight the historical significance of agroforestry in Hawaii, where traditional practices sustained communities for centuries through the integration of “canoe plants” with other culturally significant and productive species, modern agroforestry initiatives aim to enhance food security and sustainability. Pilot programs, such as those conducted at Molokai Cooperative Extension, demonstrate the potential of agroforestry to address food insecurity and promote community resilience while incorporating the community into its creation and development. This paper examines the principles of polyculture agroforestry, explores the concept of syntropic agriculture, and discusses recent efforts to implement such systems, particularly in regions like Hawaii, where agroforestry has historical significance.

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