Importance of agroforestry in Costa Rica. The importance of agroforestry for land use in some regions of Costa Rica is discussed. The current classification of these systems is presented, showing that those have been developed by farmers, and that is rather recently that scientists and technologists have become involved in agroforestry. The pros and cons of these systems are considered, emphasizing its importance for the establishment of integrated pest control, soil protection, nitrogen fixation and the production of biomass as a source of raw material for energy production and industrial development. The following combinations are discussed in some detail: forestry and pasture (Alnus acuminata, Pennisetum clandestinum, Cupressus lusitanica-Pennisetum clandestinum, Cordia alliodora-mixture of pastures) agriculture and forestry (Coffea arabica-Cedrela odorata, Saccharum officinarum-Cordia alliodora). Finally, it is suggested that agroforestry should be considered as a good alternative for land use in Costa Rica