In this report, we assess the evidence for whether agroforestry practices in rubber production systems could support sustainability in the sector. Specifically, we: use existing definitions of rubber agroforestry to propose a typology of rubber agroforestry systems (Section 2); synthesise evidence of benefits from existing agroforestry production systems for farmer livelihoods, social issues, and the environment, including biodiversity, climate change and climate resilience (Section 3); discuss best practices, challenges, and barriers to wider adoption of rubber agroforestry (Section 4); and make recommendations for achieving wider adoption of agroforestry practices, both in the context of smallholder farms and larger-scale plantations (Section 4).

Natural rubber production continues to increase in area and tonnage, with almost 90% produced in Asia. In addition to expansion of large-scale plantations, about 90% of natural rubber is produced by smallholder farmers, who are often strongly dependent on rubber tapping for their livelihoods. Despite livelihood and economic benefits from growing natural rubber, research shows there are social, economic and environmental risks and harms associated with natural rubber production in monocultures. Specifically, smallholder farmers growing rubber in monocultures are exposed to financial risk through fluctuations in the global rubber price, because they have few alternative sources of income when prices are low.

The degradation of soils and water in monocultures, as well as risks to rubber
tree health from disease, drought and frost, are serious concerns. The clearance
of natural forests contributes to climate change, and exposes the rubber supply
chain, and broader society, to a multitude of risks and harm associated with the
loss of biodiversity and natural capital. In addition to these existing challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting global supply and demand dynamics that in turn affect the rubber supply chain down to the producer level.

There is a clear need to improve the sustainability of natural rubber production. This report facilitates sustainability initiatives for the rubber sector (for example, the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber, or GPSNR) by providing state-of-the-art information about the opportunities and benefits offered by rubber agroforestry systems.