Assessing Carbon Sequestration and Ecosystem Services of Agroforestry Practices in Madhupur Garh of Bangladesh for Climate Change Mitigation

Agroforestry has emerged as a sustainable land-use strategy to combat climate change while supporting livelihoods in tropical regions. This study evaluates the carbon sequestration potential and ecosystem services of agroforestry systems in Madhupur Garh, Bangladesh, to assess their role in climate change mitigation and socio-ecological resilience. Through field measurements and farmer surveys, the research analyzed ten dominant tree species for their carbon storage capacity and explored the multidimensional benefits these systems provide to local communities. The findings reveal substantial variation in carbon sequestration across species. Shorea robusta (Sal) demonstrated the highest capacity (1878.18 lbs CO₂ per tree), followed by Acacia auriculiformis (Akashmoni), Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit), and Swietenia macrophylla (Mahogany), all of which are characterized by high biomass, height, and diameter. These species act as effective carbon sinks. In contrast, fruit trees like Litchi chinensis and Areca catechu (Betel nut) sequestered less carbon but enhanced agroforestry diversity and household nutrition. Beyond carbon sequestration, agroforestry systems provided vital ecosystem services. About 58% of farmers reported improved food security, while 62% observed better forest resilience through soil erosion control and biodiversity enhancement. Cultural and aesthetic benefits were also noted—50% valued the scenic beauty of agroforestry landscapes, 40% practiced traditional land rituals, and 38% experienced improved mental well-being. However, challenges persist, including limited awareness of sustainable practices (only 36.67% showed high knowledge) and low participation in ecological monitoring (just 20%). The study recommends emphasizing high-carbon species while preserving species diversity to ensure multifunctionality. Policy actions should support farmer training, incentivize best practices, and integrate indigenous knowledge into forest governance. This research offers a practical framework for scaling agroforestry as a nature-based solution, advancing both climate resilience and rural development in Bangladesh and comparable tropical regions.

Keywords: Agroforestry; Carbon Sequestration; Ecosystem Services; Climate Change Mitigation; Madhupur Garh.