Case study: Symbiotic integration of different species

Here is an example illustrating how different microclimatic zones, such as shaded and sunny areas, can be used in agroforestry:

This example is based on an agroforestry system in Burkina Faso that integrates taro, corn, cowpeas, and the local Piliostigma shrub.

The Piliostigma shrub is pruned to resemble a small tree with a single trunk and crown. The shade under its foliage is used to grow taro, which thrives in shady conditions, thereby increasing yields. In the sunny area next to the tree's shade, maize and cowpeas are grown in combination. This arrangement offers several advantages:

First, the proximity of the Piliostigma provides various ecosystem services, such as improving water infiltration, enriching soil fertility through the addition of biomass, and preventing erosion. In addition, cowpeas, which are legumes, help improve corn growth by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Finally, crop diversification increases overall resilience, boosts productivity per hectare, and expands the range of products available to farmers.