Strategic management of agroforestry systems

Armenian State University of Economics, Yerevan, Armenia

¹ Corresponding author: Prof_Mkhitaryan@yahoo.com

Abstract

Agroforestry, which integrates trees, crops, and livestock in a unified production system, offers a promising route toward achieving food security alongside environmental sustainability. The purpose of this study is to examine agroforestry not only as an agricultural practice but as a governance and management instrument that requires supportive institutional and policy frameworks to achieve long-term rural development goals. Methodologically, the research applies a qualitative comparative approach, drawing on international case studies from Asia, Africa, and Europe, combined with a review of policy reports from FAO, World Bank, and ICRAF. The findings indicate that strategic adoption of agroforestry depends on three interrelated conditions: multi-level governance structures that integrate agricultural, environmental, and rural policies; effective stakeholder engagement mechanisms that empower farmers, local communities, and NGOs; and coherent financing instruments that incentivize sustainable practices. Comparative analysis further demonstrates that transitional economies, such as Armenia and other post-Soviet states, face specific institutional and capacity-related constraints that limit large- scale adoption, yet also present opportunities for policy innovation and cost- effective models of integration. The study concludes that agroforestry should be managed as a strategic governance tool, where success depends on aligning ecological functions with institutional design and long-term investment in rural capacity-building. These insights provide practical value for policymakers, development agencies, and researchers engaged in shaping sustainable food and farming systems.