Abstract
The world economy is no longer able to balance the planet’s ecosystems. Hence, we need to shift cotton production to sustainable, solar-powered circular economics. Regenerative cotton production has emerged as a nature-based solution to overcome the environmental challenges. However, knowledge on regenerative practices in the Mediterranean region is often limited and fragmented. This review aims to provide an insight into the existing knowledge and perspectives on regenerative and agroforestry-based cotton systems in the Mediterranean. More specifically, the aims of the review are to (1) explore the extent of cotton production in the region; (2) highlight resources and management requirements and the socioeconomic benefits of cotton production; (3) describe the process of designing regenerative cotton-based agroforestry; and (4) compare the environmental footprints of regenerative cotton production over conventional systems. We conducted a systematic review of 72 publications on cotton production in the Mediterranean region, but also in other regions. Conventional cotton production in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere has long been associated with high water consumption, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers inputs, carbon emissions, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity and water pollution. Hence, regenerative cotton based agroforestry design is proposed that considers light, water, soil and tree canopy management. This cotton production system could: improve soil health, reduce chemical inputs, increase biodiversity, enhance the quality and quantity of water available, enhance carbon sequestration, and improve local people’s livelihoods. We conclude that the transition from conventional to regenerative cotton production practices may hold great promise for reducing the environmental footprint. However, challenges such as scalability, knowledge transfer, and farmer adoption limit its widespread acceptance.
Citation
Negash, M., Tegegne, Y.T., Palahi, M., Valter, Z., Garofalo, S.P., De Carolis, G., Campi, P., Modungo, A.F., Scarascia-Mugnozza, G. Overview of regenerative and agroforestry-based cotton systems in the Mediterranean and beyond: a review. Agroforest Syst 99, 117 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-025-01207-7