Agroforestry Reinvented: Agroecological, Nutrition-Sensitive Intensification of Vegetable Production under Fruit Trees in Western and Eastern Africa (AfriNutriForest)

Agroecological intensification through agroforestry systems (i.e. species-rich combinations of trees and crops on the same land) is a sensible strategy to simultaneously address several global challenges. These include climate change, biodiversity loss, and, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, widespread undernutrition, all occurring alongside a growing world population. In existing horticultural systems, often only a single type of vegetable or fruit is grown per plot, and production is highly labour-intensive and dependent on costly external inputs such as mineral fertilisers and pesticides, which can negatively affect health and the environment.

The aim of the project is to develop, test, and promote innovative, sustainable horticultural agroforestry systems (‘Arbo-Market Gardens’) through a participatory and transdisciplinary approach in Senegal and Kenya. These gardens will produce healthy and nutritious fruit and vegetables in an agroecological and socially responsible way, diversify the diet of the local population, transform horticulture into a resilient food system, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities, especially young people in rural areas.