Bhutan approves its first National Agroforestry Strategy and Action Plan with support of CIFOR-ICRAF

27 January 2026, Bhutan: Bhutan has officially approved its first National Agroforestry Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable land use through the integration of trees, crops and livestock.

Led by Bhutan’s Department of Forests and Park Services under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the 10-year strategy provides a comprehensive framework to mainstream agroforestry across all agroecological zones. It aims to strengthen food and nutrition security, enhance rural livelihoods, build climate resilience and support biodiversity conservation nationwide.

CIFOR-ICRAF provided technical support during the development of the strategy, contributing scientific evidence, international experience and policy guidance. This support helped shape a practical and implementable national framework aligned with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy, as well as its climate and biodiversity commitments.

Key highlights of the National Agroforestry Strategy include:

• Promoting climate-smart agroforestry systems to restore degraded land and enhance resilience to climate risks.
• Strengthening livelihoods and food security through diversified, tree-based farming systems.
• Improving institutional coordination, financing mechanisms and monitoring frameworks for effective implementation.
• Prioritising inclusive development, with a strong focus on women- and youth-led agroforestry enterprises.

The strategy will be implemented from January 2026 to December 2035 and is designed to complement Bhutan’s existing national development plans, forest policies and climate strategies.

In related developments, CIFOR-ICRAF and Bhutan’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2026. The agreement will formalise continued collaboration in research, capacity development and technical support, further strengthening Bhutan’s efforts to scale up agroforestry as a cornerstone of sustainable land management.

Also Read: John Deere Enters a New Era of Excavators

Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com