Themed “Agroforestry for People, Planet and Profit,” the Congress serves as a leading platform for advancing tree-based solutions in agriculture, forestry, and landscapes.

Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, highlighted the significance of hosting the Congress: “Hosting WCA 2025 in Rwanda is an opportunity to showcase how agroforestry can transform landscapes, boost community incomes, and strengthen climate resilience across the world. Agroforestry is a pathway to sustainable development, protecting ecosystems while creating opportunities for communities to thrive.”

The Congress aims to foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, farmers, and private sector actors to promote agroforestry as a key solution for climate resilience, food and nutrition security, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive economic growth.

It also seeks to advance research, share evidence-based practices, and inspire actionable strategies that support smallholder farmers and integrate agroforestry into national and global development agendas.

Patrick Worms, President of the International Union for Agroforestry (IUAF), noted Africa’s central role in agroforestry: “Africa is the birthplace of global agroforestry science and remains the continent where it is most widely practiced. Agroforestry is the answer to many challenges, from agricultural resilience to biodiversity protection and job creation. Hosting the Congress in Rwanda brings together researchers, policymakers, and corporates to chart a path forward.”

WCA 2025 features plenary sessions, technical discussions, exhibitions, and field visits, offering participants hands-on learning and exposure to real-world agroforestry innovations. Key thematic areas include agroforestry in a changing climate, biodiversity and ecosystem services, sustainable livelihoods, contributions to the bioeconomy, financial and policy frameworks, multistrata and silvopastoral systems, and the integration of traditional knowledge with innovative solutions.

As Rwanda welcomes the world to WCA 2025, the Congress marks a milestone in promoting resilient and sustainable agroforestry practices that benefit communities, ecosystems, and economies alike.