An assessment of commonly grown agroforestry trees across the tropics: A scoping review

Agroforestry (AF) is increasingly promoted in tropical regions for its ecological, economic, and social benefits, yet the specific composition and uses of tree species in AF systems are underexplored. This review synthesizes literature on commonly grown AF tree species across the tropics, examining species composition and primary uses. Findings show that trees in AF systems are mainly used for fruit/food, fuelwood/charcoal, and shade, supporting local livelihoods. Fruit trees, especially for domestic consumption, are most prevalent. While many common AF tree species are native to tropical Asia and the Americas, AF systems in tropical Africa are largely dominated by exotic species, except in home gardens and coffee or cocoa systems, where indigenous species are more prevalent. These results underscore the importance of AF in sustaining both livelihoods and tree diversity while also highlighting opportunities to increase indigenous species outside home gardens and cash crop systems. Balancing livelihood needs with long-term ecosystem resilience is essential for guiding species selection in tropical AF.