SciDev.Net reports on the new book by tree biologist and former Director of Research at the World Agroforestry Centre, Roger Leakey.

Speaking at the UK launch of the book, Leakey said it was the world’s first research-based guide for agroforestry. Titled Living with the Trees of Life: Towards the Transformation of Tropical Agriculture, the book highlights how farmers should be using their indigenous knowledge of trees to boost incomes and drive social development.

In the book, he outlines a three-step farming guide: planting leguminous trees and shrubs to boost nitrogen in the soil; getting farmers to use their indigenous knowledge to select native crops (such as traditional fruits, nuts and medicinal plants) and training them on low-tech methods for maximising the quality of fruits and nuts; and accessing markets through engaging with big business.

Leakey believes this approach of integrating agroforestry practices and technological interventions with sustainable farming will generate higher incomes and improve livelihoods. The last step of transitioning from the local to the global marketplace is vital as “crop selection alone cannot drive social change”.

Meine van Noordwijk, chief science advisor at the World Agroforestry Centre, is quoted in the article as saying the book may be inspirational.

"Once the basic idea of farmer tree management is accepted and understood, selection of more productive trees and tree domestication can lead to substantial progress, while tree diversity contributes to risk management for uncertain futures," van Noordwijk said.

Read the full story: Indigenous agroforestry 'may improve livelihoods'

Read more on the World Agroforestry Centre blog: Leakey book says ‘trees of life’ could nourish the planet, build wealth

The book is available for purchase from CABI Bookshop