In October 2018, the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry endorsed the ASEAN Guidelines for Agroforestry Development. The Guidelines were an outcome of the Vision and Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2016–2025. ASEAN Member States are now considering how to mainstream the Guidelines into national decision-making. To facilitate these endeavors, socialization of the Guidelines across different circles, including the government, private sector, and civil society, is necessary.
The Guidelines have the potential to not only address the technical knowledge gaps in agroforestry among ASEAN stakeholders but also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, deforestation-free supply chains and livelihoods of smallholder farmers and marginalized groups, such as women and indigenous peoples in the region. Agroforestry is already integrated into the nationally determined contributions of three ASEAN Member States and in the national forestry and agricultural development programmes of most other countries. Thus, awareness-raising and promotion of the Guidelines can help accelerate achievements in national climate and food security goals.
Overview of the ASEAN Guidelines for Agroforestry Development
Socio-cultural and technical design
Institutional roles and arrangements
Simone Vongkhamho
Market and value chain development
Jose Romeo B. Ebron
Moderator
