CIFOR-ICRAF joins the Sustainable Agriculture Network to advance forest-positive food systems

As the world marks the International Day of Forests, we are proud to announce that  CIFOR-ICRAF has become a Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) member. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to transforming food systems by strengthening the connections between forests, trees, agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Aerial view of Nalma village, Nepal. Photo by Mokhamad Edliadi for CIFOR-ICRAF.

At CIFOR-ICRAF, our work focuses on generating the science, partnerships and solutions needed to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Across the tropics and beyond, our research supports climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable landscapes and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Through collaboration with governments, communities, the private sector and development partners, we work to ensure that science informs policy and practice on the ground.

A key priority for CIFOR-ICRAF is advancing forest-positive food systems. Agriculture and forestry have often been treated as separate sectors, yet they are deeply interconnected. The way food is produced has major implications for forests, biodiversity and climate stability, while trees on farms and in landscapes can enhance soil health, and increase resilience to climate shocks.

Tree pruning. Photo by Erick Reátegui for CIFOR-ICRAF.

For example, in assessments conducted across Africa, CIFOR-ICRAF identified that crops grown under the canopy of mature trees could yield 34% more than crops with no canopy cover. At the same time, trees proved a significant source of household livelihood (typically equivalent to US$200) despite less than a quarter of the products harvested being sold, which suggests trees are key for rural subsistence agriculture.

This is why bridging agriculture and forestry is essential for building food systems that are both productive and sustainable. Through its global network, the Sustainable Agriculture Network creates a space for organizations to exchange knowledge and build a more sustainable future.

Mangrove monitoring. Photo by Ricky Martin for CIFOR-ICRAF.

By joining SAN, CIFOR-ICRAF aims to contribute its scientific expertise on agroforestry, landscape restoration and sustainable land use while learning from the experiences of partners working directly with farmers, companies and certification systems.

This collaboration will help strengthen efforts to scale solutions that integrate trees into agricultural landscapes and support more sustainable production systems. Together, CIFOR-ICRAF and the Sustainable Agriculture Network can help accelerate the transition toward food systems that protect forests, support farmers and deliver long-term benefits for people and the planet.