Integrating tradition and ecology: A review o of agroforestry practices and indigenous wisdom

Abstract

India's traditional agroforestry methods offer a singular fusion of local knowledge and ecological sustainability. The ecological importance and cultural significance of the traditional agroforestry systems used in South Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, are examined in this review study, with a focus on the Gond, Korwa, Baiga, and Kanwar tribal people. Because of the area's varied soil types, tropical monsoon climate, and gently sloping terrain, agroforestry systems that combine trees, crops, and cattle for food, fuel, fodder, and medicine have become adaptable and multipurpose. In addition to their ecological benefits such as improving soil fertility and moisture retention-dominant species like Madhuca indica, Albizia procera, Butea monosperma, and Acacia nilotica are also ingrained in local customs and belief systems. This report highlights the socio-economic contributions, soil-enriching capabilities, and biodiversity worth of these systems by combining data from field-based research and peer-reviewed Indian journals. It also examines the difficulties that traditional agroforestry faces, such as gaps in legislation, land fragmentation, and the loss of indigenous knowledge. In order to support sustainable land use and rural resilience, the assessment emphasizes the necessity of fusing scientific innovation with traditional wisdom. It comes to the conclusion that bringing these ancient systems back to life via community involvement and participatory policymaking can greatly support climate adaption, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable agriculture in central India.