Strategic canopy management for enhanced climate resilience and water cycling in highly complex agroforestry systems

Complex agroforestry systems increase resilience to extreme events by acting as microclimatic buffer. Shade tree canopy cover enhances water cycling efficiency of cacao by reducing soil evaporation and cacao transpiration rates. Regular, timely shade tree pruning at the right intensity optimises trade-offs between protective benefits of shade and light requirements for productivity.