By Laudato Voices |World Congress on Agroforestry | October 19, 2025
What if the future of the planet depended on something as simple and powerful as planting trees? This October, something big is happening and it has everything to do with trees, climate, food, and youth or a steward of the future like you to raise hope for a more sustainable future. From October 20–24, 2025, the 6th World Congress on Agroforestry will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together global changemakers to talk about the power of agroforestry a way of farming that combines trees, crops, and animals in the same space to heal the land and support communities.
The theme
“Agroforestry for People, Planet & Profit” Yes all three. Because when done right, agroforestry takes care of the Earth, supports local people, and builds sustainable livelihoods. And here’s the best part: Young people have a real place in this conversation.
Why Should You Care About Agroforestry?
Because it’s not just about trees it’s about our future. Agroforestry helps farmers grow more food, restore damaged land, and fight climate change all while creating jobs. It’s local, practical, and deeply rooted in respect for creation. If you’re part of groups like the Laudato Youth Initiative or the Bethany Land Institute, this is our space. We believe agro forestry to restore land and build a sustainable hope for the future. Where we employ the practice integral ecology to respond to the major environmental challenges of our communities through the Laudato Youth Initiative Laudato Si Clubs.
St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, once said:
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” That’s exactly how movements like agroforestry grow one action at a time. It matters because it connects faith with action. Agroforestry reflects the message of Laudato Si’ that caring for the Earth is a spiritual calling. It’s love in action.
It’s climate-smart.
With rising temperatures and food insecurity, agroforestry is one of the best ways to adapt to and fight climate change.
It builds community.
Through tree planting, soil care, and shared land management, agroforestry strengthens relationships with the Earth and each other.
It’s a place for innovation.
Got ideas for eco-tech, youth training, or digital farming? Agroforestry welcomes innovation, especially from young minds. If you’ve been involved in reforestation, school gardening, climate advocacy, or farming with your family you’re already part of the agroforestry its a question of encouraging others to participate. We at Laudato Youth Initiative have been raising voices for this and Bethany Land Institute has been living this out for years: training youth, restoring land, and building eco-spiritual communities in Uganda. Remember Agroforestry doesn’t just help trees grow. It yeilds food for our communities and makes us better stewards of the future.
What Can You Do?
Take local action: Plant a tree. Restore a garden. Teach a younger sibling. Pray and reflect: Ask how God is calling you to care for creation in your life. And maybe, just maybe, consider attending the congress in person or online to learn more
Final Thought: Hope Is Rooted in Action
Agroforestry reminds us that we don’t have to choose between caring for people and the planet. With the right heart and tools, we can do both. And if that sounds overwhelming, just remember what St. Francis prayed: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love… Where there is despair, hope… Where there is darkness, light.” That’s the spirit behind agroforestry and the hope you can bring to it. The future is being planted. Let’s grow it together.
References
• World Congress on Agroforestry (2025). Agroforestry for People, Planet and Profit. https://agroforestry2025.org
• St. Francis of Assisi. (n.d.). Quotes and writings. Retrieved from https://www.franciscanmedia.org
