Scientist Argues Trees on Farms will Secure Asia's Food Supply  

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Food security is arguably the most serious issue facing the planet. With the world’s population continuously growing, the need to feed 9 billion people by 2050 has put tremendous pressure on agriculture to nearly double productivity without threatening the remaining natural environment. But farmers are already feeling the impact of climate change,  with fluctuating weather patterns that lead to crop failure.

Fortunately, experts around the world are working together to help farmers adapt. More than 300 scientists, executives and government leaders are gathering in Jakarta, from October 8 to 9, to tackle the issues at the 'AID Forum Food Security Summit: Asia 2014'.

Dr James M. Roshetko, senior scientist with the World Agroforestry Centre and leader of the Agroforestry and Forestry in Sulawesi project, will be arguing in the summit's leading session that integrating trees into food production -- a system known as agroforestry -- will meet the multiple challenges.

Through policy changes and technical support, such as designing specific agroforestry systems to suit the needs of farmers and landscapes, providing quality seeds and seedlings, and working with farmers, governments and businesses to strengthen their know-how ability to adapt, Dr Roshetko believes that agroforestry will help increase production, act as a buffer of the impacts of climate change and ensure environmental sustainability.

On the second day, Dr Roshetko will showcase facts about the importance of improving soil quality and also portray best practices, innovations, trends and policies as ways to boost agricultural production.

The AID Forum Food Security Summit: Asia 2014 will provide concrete information to alleviate food security issues in Asia andamplify collaboration. The World Agroforestry Centre, which is a member of the CGIAR, a global partnership for a food-secure future, is a partner of the summit.

WORLD AGROFORESTRY CENTRE