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Develop Agroforestry Systems for Water Watershed Protection

Deforestation in agricultural areas degrades watersheds and reduces water quality, yet strategic tree planting could restore watershed functions while maintaining food production. The challenge is designing agroforestry systems that optimize both agricultural productivity and watershed protection. Barriers include landowner coordination, competing land uses, and lack of payment for watershed services. Without watershed protection, water quality continues declining while flooding and drought increase. Successful agroforestry watersheds could protect water resources for millions while maintaining agricultural livelihoods, potentially creating landscapes that provide both food security and water security for growing populations.

Applied Sciences, Sustainable Farming, Agroforestry