Overview

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), also known as World Agroforestry, is an international research organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It focuses on integrating trees into farming systems to improve livelihoods, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable land management.

Founded in 1978, ICRAF operates as part of the CGIAR research network and works globally to promote agroforestry as a means of achieving food security, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. In 2019, it joined with the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), forming CIFOR-ICRAF, which now coordinates joint research and development programs worldwide.

Mission & Vision

Vision: A world where smallholder farmers and rural communities benefit from trees in agricultural landscapes to improve food, income, health, shelter, and environmental quality.

Mission: To generate knowledge on the roles of trees and to promote policies and practices that benefit both people and the environment.

Headquarters in Kenya

Location: United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya.

The Kenya office is the global headquarters, coordinating international programs and regional projects.

It also supports the implementation of Kenya’s national agroforestry policies and strategies.

Key Research & Program Areas

Tree Planting and Seed Systems – Improving tree survival, productivity, and use on farms.

Landscape Restoration – Restoring degraded lands and promoting soil and water conservation.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services – Protecting habitats and enhancing ecosystem functions.

Value Chains and Markets – Strengthening economic opportunities from tree products.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation – Enhancing resilience through carbon storage and adaptive farming systems.

Social Inclusion and Gender Equity – Ensuring that women, smallholders, and marginalized groups benefit from agroforestry.

Work in Kenya

Supporting farmers in adopting new agroforestry strategies such as integrating trees with crops and livestock.

Leading projects on landscape restoration to tackle land degradation, soil erosion, and deforestation.

Partnering with government agencies to align with Kenya’s National Agroforestry Strategy.

Conducting research and capacity-building programs for local communities.

Partnerships & Collaboration

ICRAF works with governments, universities, NGOs, donor agencies, farmer groups, and the private sector. It is funded by international donors, governments, and foundations, and implements multi-country projects across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.