Journal ID : AMA-27-03-2023-12147
[This article belongs to Volume - 54, Issue - 03]
Total View : 377

Title : Maximizing Productivity and Sustainability of Land through Agroforestry: Insights into Knowledge, Perceptions, and Economic Benefits

Abstract :

Agroforestry is one of the sustainable land management techniques, involving a combination of different agricultural, horticultural, and forestry practices to maximize the productivity and sustainability of land. In disadvantaged locations such as char lands, a well-planned interacting land use system incorporating woody perennials in line with the farmers' needs can lead to a successful and sustainable farming system to dwindle poverty and eventually improve food security. Agroforestry practices can serve this purpose in developing an agro-based economy like Bangladesh (BD). This study, therefore, is undertaken to reveal the farmer’s knowledge of agroforestry practice, and willingness to practice agroforestry and to examine the economic benefits of adoption of agroforestry. Following the multistage random sampling technique, a total of 240 farm households were selected from certain char areas of the Mymensingh (MS), Jamalpur (JP), and Sherpur (SP) districts of BD. The socioeconomic characteristics of sample farmers were explored in terms of age, education, gender, farm experience, land ownership, etc. Farmers’ knowledge, willingness, and adoption level of agroforestry were also examined. The majority of the farmers in the survey are aware of agroforestry practices (65%), but just a handful have actually used them. The farmers who adopted agroforestry practices or are interested to adopt, expect support (cash or kind) from the project or government. The tree species under agroforestry include Akashi, Eucalyptus, Mahogani, Mango, Jackfruit, Guava, Lemon, and Coconut. Financial or investment analysis of agroforestry adoption was done for several combinations of trees and vegetables.

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