The AFLI project in Northwest Vietnam aims to combat low productivity, soil erosion, and poverty in Dien Bien, Son La, and Yen Bai through agroforestry. It introduced site-specific systems combining crops like maize, longan, coffee, and forage grasses, showing reduced soil erosion and improved profitability over time compared to monocultures.
Field trials involved over 300 households, with tens of thousands of trees planted. Grafted Son Tra trees and integrated systems yielded earlier and better results. A partnership with TAFOOD enabled processing and marketing of Son Tra fruit.
Policy changes in Yen Bai supported agroforestry with financial incentives. The project concludes that adoption depends on external funding, strong government support, and improved extension services due to the region's poverty and challenging conditions.