In a recent study, seven different tree-planting systems were compared for both their carbon sequestering ability as well for their economic returns. 'Homestead planting' was found to be the best at balancing carbon sequestration potential while improving the profit margin of rural farmers.

Homestead planting is a planting system whereby smallholder farmers plant fruit trees around the homestead on land not utilised for cash crops.

Although the density of trees was found to be lower than in the other planting systems, World Agroforestry Centre scientist Eike Luedeling says that planting fruit trees makes the idea of carbon sequestration attractive to farmers. "The net carbon storage potential...may thus well be higher for agroforestry options, because they are much more likely to be adopted."

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