Fostering Resilient Agroforestry Systems with climate-ready Tree and Herbaceous Germplasm

Chestnut tree with green foliage in orchard
Large country house surrounded by fields and trees
Olive trees on hillside under blue sky
Close-up of olive tree branches with green olives
Researcher preparing plant samples in vitro under sterile conditions

FORECAST will deliver new sustainable solutions for the revitalization of agroforestry systems in the Mediterranean region. An innovative strategy will be implemented, based on the use of highly resilient, locally-adapted orphan legumes and dedicated seed technology into existing agroforestry systems, addressing a range of different socioeconomic/pedoclimatic conditions across the Mediterranean Area. A multi-actor approach will accomplish the requirements of stakeholders/end-users, with focus on women empowerment in agroforestry.

Agroforestry provides win-win multifunctional systems for biodiversity preservation, however the transition to climate-smart systems requires the input of diversified climate-resilient germplasm to minimize farmers’ vulnerability. Participatory agroforestry, combining local and scientific/technological knowledge will play a pivotal role in the proactive management of FORECAST tree germplasm in combination with orphan legumes.

About the project

Goals

Capacity building

FORECAST aims at promoting knowledge/ability/awareness in sustainable agroforestry practices through participative engagement, understanding socio-economic/behavioral drivers of FORECAST stakeholders, focus on women empowerment.

Agroforestry/orphan legumes-based systems, design & best practices

Highly resilient, locally-adapted agroforestry/orphan legumes-based systems will be established to address the needs of climate-vulnerable regions. Enhanced management and refined practices will allow high performance across different socioeconomic/pedoclimatic contexts.

Environmental/socioeconomic benefits

Focus on ecosystems services resulting from diversification/integration of resilient agroforestry/orphan legumes-based systems (genetic resources, tools, footprints).

Switch in the widespread adoption of agroforestry/orphan legumes-based systems

Use a multiscale approach to drive policy and social changes and support the FORECAST systems adoption.

Expand the value of agroforestry/orphan legumes-based systems

Develop innovative food/non-food products & processing solutions to generate new value chains, valorise by-products/best raw materials.

Awarness raising

Develop needed capacities for wider communication and dissemination, to support the community-driven process of FORECAST systems, knowledge transfer, and up-scaling.