How local knowledge and adaptive practices are redefining conservation and livelihoods in one of the world’s most vital ecosystems 🌿
Amid the vibrant discussions and academic exchange at Tropentag 2025, one poster drew visitors in—not with bold colors or flashy design, but with a quiet power.
Titled “Agroforestry Systems in the Peruvian Amazon: Farmers’ Perceptions and Management Adjustments”, it told a story that deeply resonated with attendees. The author, one of our Master students—Leidy Johana Bedoya Giraldo, didn’t just present research—she brought forward the voices of those who live the forest every day.
Her work earned the Best Poster Presentation Award, shining a light on the essential role farmers play in shaping sustainable agroforestry systems.
“The people who manage the land every day hold vital knowledge for its conservation.”
The Challenge:
The Peruvian Amazon, among the most biodiverse regions on Earth, faces rising deforestation and soil degradation. In San MartĂn, unsustainable farming practices have depleted landscapes. Agroforestry—blending trees with crops—offers a solution.
Farmers Leading the Way:
Leidy’s research reveals that farmers aren’t just adopting agroforestry—they are shaping it:
* Rotating native trees like Guaba
* Adapting planting strategies for soil health and markets
* Maintaining tree cover out of environmental stewardship
Even without strong incentives, their actions reflect deep-rooted care for the land.
Benefits & Barriers
Agroforestry brings:
* Better soil and shade
* New income from timber and fruit
* Climate and biodiversity benefits
But challenges persist:
* High labor costs
* Unclear land rights
* Limited market access
* Climate stress
Tools for Change
Platforms like the Agroforestry Box Tool and SMART Platform help connect farmer experience with policy, ensuring their voices guide planning at scale.
“Planting trees isn’t enough. We must listen to the people who care for them.”
A Living System
Leidy’s work reminds us: agroforestry is a living system, shaped by local knowledge, not just science. In the Amazon, lasting solutions begin with listening—to the land, and to those who know it best.
“The health of the forest is inseparable from the knowledge and care of the people who live within it.”
Image and Content Source © Kuriyedath – TropenTag 2025
Sustainable Food Systems Research Centre
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