UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF AGROFORESTRY: UNDERSTANDING ADOPTION FACTORS IN ALETA WENDO DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

This study aimed to address the knowledge gap among farmers of the Aleta Wendo district of southern Ethiopia about agroforestry practices. The study used a multi-stage sampling technique and collected primary data from 257 respondents. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the collected data using multiple statistical techniques, which included percentage, mean, frequency, and Chi-square tests. The Tobit model was also employed to identify the factors that affect the adoption of agroforestry practices. The results of the study showed that home garden was the most widely adopted agroforestry practice in the study area, followed by windbreak, woodlot, multipurpose tree, alley cropping, and parkland agroforestry. Among the 15 independent variables expected to affect the adoption of agroforestry practices, only six variables were found to have significant and positive influence, including farming experience, access to credit, labor availability, livestock holding, annual income, and contact with development agents. The study’s findings suggest that encouraging farmers to save money, obtain credit, and diversify income sources could help to promote the adoption of agroforestry practices in the study area. The study also highlights the importance of daily communication between farmers and development agents, and the need to take into consideration the major determinants affecting the adoption of agroforestry practices. Overall, the study highlights the potential of agroforestry practices to provide multiple benefits and the need for targeted interventions to promote their adoption in the Aleta Wendo district.