Improving Tools against Desertification and Drought Enhanced Integrated Agroforestry and Water Management Systems for Arid and Semi-Arid Areas in Latin America

Agroforestry systems, by exploiting positive interactions between trees, crops, and livestock, provide a regular and reliable supply of substitute products to secure the well-being of rural population. They encourage the sustainable use and conservation of scarce natural resources, thereby mitigating the consequences of irregular and unforeseen rainfall, combating desertification and contributing to balance the maintenance of watershed functions and productive agriculture. The potentials of these remarkable characteristics are however not being fully exploited in the current in arid and semi-arid regions of Latin America.

The International Conference “Improved Tools to Combat Desertification and Drought” - Integrated Agroforestry and Water Management Systems in arid and semi-arid areas in Latin America, was celebrated in Cepal, Santiago Chile, from the 21th to 23th of January 2009. Co-organised by Acción por la Tierra (EarthAction Santiago - EAN) and ECLAC, and sponsored by the WAFLA consortium, with the support of the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programme. 

The conference was a perfect venue to exchange the most advanced developments in the field of Integrated Water Resource Management in Agro-forestry systems.