Agro-forestry is becoming an increasingly recognised sustainable farming practice, which could be one of the key contributors to the adaptation and mitigation of the current adverse global effects of climate change.  At Kawacom, the sustainability team has set a goal planting at least 20,000 trees by 2050 as one of their efforts towards becoming carbon neutral through the distribution of tree seedlings to the different farmers. The team is currently distributing leguminous tree species, Leucaena leucocephala and Albizia coriaria to the farmers to intercrop in their coffee plantations as shade trees.

Shade trees in coffee farms are recommended worldwide for ecological sustainability and adaptation to climate change. These shade trees create a microclimate with lower air temperatures and higher soil moisture favourable for the growth of coffee. These leguminous tree species will not only provide shade to the coffee trees but also fix nitrogen in the soil, aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, regulation of water and sediment flows, and sequestering carbon in biomass and soils. To maximise benefits from this practice, our extension staff visit the different participating farmers and render technical support on establishment and management of these shade trees 

In the end, this practice will improve adaptation to climate change through increased soil fertility, biodiversity, reduced soil erosion and flood, pest control, directly benefiting the farmers with increased farm productivity and improved coffee quality, diversified produce and reduction of external inputs such as conventional fertilizers and chemicals for pest management, leading to increased income.