Integrating trees into food production can meet the triple challenge of increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring environmental stability and reducing the impacts of climate change.

This is according to Jim Roshetko, senior scientist with the World Agroforestry Centre, who spoke at the AID Forum Food Security Summit: Asia 2014 in Jakarta, Indonesia from 8-9 October 2014.

An article in Tempo reports that more than 300 scientists, executives and government leaders were expected to attend the summit.

Roshetko believes that policy changes and technical support are needed to advance agroforestry so that its full benefits can be realized. This may involve “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 and ability to adapt,” says Roshetko.

The AID Forum Food Security Summit: Asia 2014 aims to  provide concrete information to alleviate food security issues in Asia and amplify collaboration. The World Agroforestry Centre is a partner in the summit.

Read the full story: Scientist Argues Trees on Farms will Secure Asia's Food Supply