| dc.description.abstract | Coffee agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees in coffee for environmental, economic, and social benefits by farmers. It constitutes one of the range of choices that coffee farmers make as informed by their experiences and information about the trees. Although the coffee agroforestry system is believed to be self-sustaining, coffee yields continue to decline particularly in the highlands of Mount Elgon. This underscores the need to understand the basis of farmers’ choices in coffee agroforestry systems. Therefore, this study: i) determined the shade trees in Bugisu Arabica coffee-based agroforestry system used to improve the fertility of soil; iii) determined the factors that influence farmers’ choices of shade trees used in the Bugisu Arabica coffee agroforestry system and iii) determined farmers’ choices of soil fertility enhancement practices in Bugisu Arabica coffee agroforestry in Mount Elgon. This was achieved using an explanatory mixed method design using a two-phase data collection approach. A cross-sectional survey carried out in two phases was undertaken using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 120 randomly selected coffee farmers. These were complimented with 24 focus group discussions and 15 key informant interviews. Data were collected on: choices of shade trees, soil fertility enhancement practices, and factors influencing the various farmers’ choices. The data on choices of soil fertility enhancement practices, shade trees, and factors influencing choice was analyzed using cross-tabulation, chi-square, t-test, and multiple linear regression and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) respectively.
Results revealed that the choices of shade trees included Albizzia coriaria, Cordia africana, Ficus ovata, Artocarpous heterophylus, Maesopsis eminii, Eucalyptus species and Grevillea robusta and Neolamarckia cadamba, with the commonest as Albizzia coriaria and Cordia africana. Farmers valued shade trees for several other reasons beyond soil fertility improvement including providing medicine, fruits, stakes, fodder, poles, timber and fuelwood. Farmers’ criteria for selecting shade trees were predominantly those of fast-growing nature and broad crowns. Farmers’ integration of shade trees in coffee was highly influenced by the availability and access to inputs/incentives particularly information on tree planting materials, their source, establishment and management of trees integrated in coffee; followed by peer influence and effort expectancy respectively moderated by the perceived level of fertility of soil (P<0.05). Farmers on soils of low fertility tended to grow more shade trees than those on soils of high fertility. Pests, diseases, and the inability of trees to provide multiple benefits reduced farmers’ integration of shade trees in coffee. The use of inorganic fertilizers is the commonest other practice for enhancing soil fertility enhancement in the Bugisu coffee agroforestry (P<0.05). Choice of a shade tree in the coffee fields was inclined to farmers’ perceived multiple associated benefits. Albizzia coriaria and Cordia africana and adequate combination of soil fertility enhancing practices should be promoted in Arabica coffee-growing regions for facilitated coffee yields. Promoters of use of shade trees should consider the farmer prioritized tree benefit to enhance their sustainable integration in coffee fields. Availability and easy access to tree planting materials and appropriate information on use, establishment and management of shade trees are key factors to consider for successful use of shade trees in CAF. Farmers should be sensitized on the benefits of rightful use of inorganic fertilizers within their fields. | en_US |
