Asia has large extent of dryland areas and also one of the highest affected populations at risk, due to desertification and large degradation. The progressing desertification and recurring drought have been affecting the livelihoods of the people living in the arid, semi arid and dry sub-humid areas of the region.

Agroforestry is a farming system that integrates agricultural crops and/or livesock with trees and shrubs. The resulting biological interactions provide multiple benefits, including diversified income sources, increased biological production, better water quality, and improved habitat for both humans and animals.

This joint endeavor between the Government of India and the Secretariat of the UNCCD would provide an platform for the countries in Asia-Pacific region in bringing out the best practices of agroforestry to address the livelihood concerns of dryland communties.