Transformando o agronegócio: um estudo sobre estado da arte de sistemas agroflorestais no Brasil

Abstract

This work aimed to analyze the State of the Art of Agroforestry Systems (AFSs) in Brazil in articles available in online databases. SAFs are agroecosystems based on the productive potential of integrating a perennial forest component with other crops, seeking to optimize the benefits of different species to diversify production, increase productivity and reduce risks and costs. Articles published between 1990 and 2023 were analyzed in the Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus databases. The area (Legal Reserve, Permanent Preservation Area and/or Productive Area) and the objective of implementing the AFSs (environmental recovery, agricultural production for subsistence and/or sale of production), guided the research, emphasizing the potential of these agroecosystems for recovery of degraded areas and for an effectively sustainable development of agribusiness and Brazil. In this way, we observe the evolution of approaches over time, the use of keywords and emerging topics in national and international publications to identify trends and gaps in agroforestry research over time, in order to inspire public policies and new research. Underutilization of the socioeconomic and environmental potential of agroforestry was identified. AFSs are excellent buffer zones for the protection of native vegetation, a teaching tool and a technically and economically viable method to reduce/eliminate costs and accelerate the restoration of Legal Reserves and Permanent Preservation Areas. AFSs, particularly agroecological and biodiverse ones, also have great potential for agricultural production and replace artificial pastures and monocultures with several environmental and socioeconomic advantages. However, it is essential to emphasize that several studies highlight that native vegetation, whether forest or not, is irreplaceable, and Legal Reserves and Permanent Preservation Areas must be protected (and restored when necessary). Therefore, increased production must come from better land use, not deforestation. Given the flexibility and strategic importance of these agroecosystems for facing various socio-environmental challenges, and the underutilization of this potential, the urgency to improve and create public policies to encourage agroforestry production and research was identified. Also highlighted is the need for professional qualification of technicians and farmers to implement AFSs, property management, attracting credit and investments and creating rural extension projects throughout Brazil. It is also important to invest in environmental education and publicize the potential of agroecological agroforests so that producers and consumers understand and value agroforestry and agroforestry products.