Factors affecting adoption of the agroforestry practices in Nebbi District, Uganda

Abstract

Agroforestry practices are thought to have the potential to enhance farmers’ resilience to shocks including climate change. However, farmers are poorly motivated to plant trees and also face numerous challenges during tree planting. A study was therefore, conducted in Nebbi district, of Uganda with an aim of addressing this information gap to promote planting in agroforestry systems. The objectives of the study were; 1.) Determine the most valued tree species by farmers and 2.) Determine factors influencing tree planting. A household questionnaire survey was used to collect data for the study using 120 semi structured questionnaires. 16 key informant interviews and 4 focus group discussions techniques. Secondary data were collected from peer reviewed journals, textbooks and documents from various government agencies. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict the likely influence of respondents’ age, sex, education level, tribe, occupation and household land size on the size of land allocated to tree planting at 5% significance level. Results of the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that education level and household land size have a significant influence of the size of land allocated to tree planting (P<0.05). The most valued tree species identified in this study are mangifera indica, Eucalyptus spp. And Citrus sinensis. From this study farmers are benefiting from tree planting of their land with the most important benefits including income and products like fruits. Farmers’ land size and education levels affect their tree planting decisions. Farmers are facing a number of challenges in tree planting including lack of seedlings and money, limited knowledge in tree planting and lack of training as the main challenges they are facing. The farmers have their perceived solutions to the challenges they are facing in tree planting. The recommendations from the study was that focus should be made on the most important tree species such as Mangifera indica, Eucalyptus spp. and Citrus sinensis in promoting tree planting in the district and elsewhere. Farmers’ proposed solutions to challenges that they face in tree planting should be considered. Seedlings, funding and trainings should be provided to the farmers.