AFaktive partner AWAF, the Association for the promotion of Agroforestry in Wallonia and Brussels, was quite active in June to advance agroforestry in Wallonia.
On 8th June, AWAF organised an introductory event on agroforestry within the framework of the project regional development in the municipality of Hannut (AWAF´s pilot region). Géraud de Streel, AWAF´s coordinator, gave a short presentation focusing on the mechanisms through which agroforestry systems can influence and improve water regulation in agricultural landscapes.
Despite the mounting evidence on the positive impact of trees on water regulation, some stakeholders remain sceptical about the benefits of agroforestry. This event served the purpose of showing that these benefits are well documented in the scientific literature, which is an important tool in the AFaktive toolbox, as the partner consortium relies on clear and factual evidence.
Around 15–20 farmers attended the evening event, which shows that the interest in the topic of agroforestry is anyhow quite high. AWAF hopes to accompany some of them in the establishment of an agroforestry system on their farms. Stay tuned to see the developments!
On the very next day, AWAF participated in an event held on a farm in western Wallonia, which focused on innovation and carbon farming (Route de l’Innovation “Carbon Farming”: Agroforesterie | Walakis). Géraud de Streel held a presentation on agroforestry as innovation and on the factors limiting its wider adoption in Wallonia.
In the afternoon, he facilitated a session using a tool that AWAF is currently developing: a serious / an applied game designed to introduce and train participants in the agroforestry design process. Participants worked in different groups, one of which focused specifically on addressing erosion and mudflow issues – important element within the AFaktive project.
With 18 participants, also this event was a success and a further step in “planting the seeds” for a more widespread agroforestry implementation in Wallonia.
