Abstract

SOTO-PINTO, Lorena  and  JIMENEZ-FERRER, Guillermo. Socio-environmental contradictions in carbon mitigation processes in agroforestry systems. Madera bosques [online]. 2018, vol.24, n.spe, e2401887. ISSN 2448-7597.  https://doi.org/10.21829/myb.2018.2401887.

Agroforestry has allowed, in multiple regions of the world to improve agricultural production systems, contributing to food sovereignty, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Maize, coffee and cattle systems are essential activities in southern Mexico. In Chiapas, some agroforestry experiences for carbon mitigation stand out because of their multifunctionality: they simultaneously produce food, forestry goods and ecosystem functions. Mitigation projects present constraints and trade-offs for implementation and continuity, although these systems have showed the importance of trees for mitigating greenhouse gases. The aim of this work is to discuss the trade-offs of agroforestry carbon mitigation projects. Agroforestry systems contain important amounts of carbón in soil and biomass, live and dead. From the point of view of food and timber production, as well as species conservation and ecosystem functions, small-scale agroforestry systems are strategic. However, from the farmer’s perspective, there are concerns in the context participation, benefits, requirements and labor investments. Trade-offs are important elements to be taken into account for the design of agroforestry systems and ecosystem service programs. To the extent that these processes are understood, there will be greater possibilities of success, with local and global benefits.

Keywords : acahuales; agroforestry; coffee; climate change; livestock; corn; ecosystem services; silvopastoral systems; maya zone.