Traditional farming in Belize is based around clearing land. All the trees and brush must be cleared from the intended farm plot before seeds are sown. This can, however, leave the soil overexposed to the sun and subject to erosion from water.

An alternative to this traditional method is to leave certain plants – primarily large trees – in place to provide shade and to stabilize the soil. This mixing of non-competing species is called agroforestry (or agronomy).

Agroforestry has many benefits for Belize's environment and the communities within it. Often the shade-bearing trees are large timber species like mahogany, cedar or rosewood which can be cut and sold upon reaching maturity. If fruit trees, like mango, apple or avocado, are used they can provide alternative food and commercial crops at alternative points in the year. Agroforestry can also be done in conjunction with cattle or sheep herds and the animals benefit from the shade. Diversifying crops allows farmers to sell multiple products, giving them a more varied income and lessening the effects of changing tastes resulting in less favorable market forces.