About IAF
In the Philippines, agroforestry is vigorously being promoted by the government organizations, non-government organizations and other concerned agencies as a strategy for natural resource conservation and management. Taking part in the technology’s promotion and elevation into a science, the University of the Philippines Los Banos created the UPLB Agroforestry Program in 1992. The Program’s elevation into the Institute of Agroforestry (IAF) in 1998 further ascertained its role in agroforestry promotion and development.
IAF envisions forming progressive and productive communities where farming is harmonized with environmental conservation principles for the sustained production of food, wood and provision of services through the use of sound agroforestry practices. To attain this vision, IAF focuses on four mandates:
Coordinating Agroforestry Education Development
Developing Agroforestry Research and Technology
- Develops and implements comprehensive research program in agroforestry
- Develops, packages and disseminates agroforestry technologies for increased production and sustainable development
Providing Rural Development Services
- Formulates and implements a continuing program of agroforestry information management and dissemination
- Promotes the advancement of agroforestry science and technology through training, seminar, workshop and other similar activities
Forging Linkages with Development Agents
- Proactively works to integrate agroforestry principles and practices in formulating policies and guidelines related to community-based management of agricultural and natural resource programs
- Establishes, strengthens, and broadens local and international collaboration towards the institutionalization of agroforestry
