The effects of agroforestry on farm productivity of smallholder farmers in Karatu District, Tanzania

Isaac Sawaya Mawalla

doi:10.51867/scimundi.5.2.36

Authors

Isaac Sawaya Mawalla
isaacmawalla@gmail.com
Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9339-5149

Keywords:

Agroforestry, Farm Productivity, Karatu District, Smallholder Farmers, Tanzania

Abstract

Smallholder farmers are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable classes in the developing countries and are facing a problem of persistent low crop productivity. Agroforestry is seen by many as a response to environmental problems and as a sustainable endeavour which is specifically suited to farmers with poor resources. However, the multiple roles that trees can play, in most cases at a landscape scale, are less studied and usually do not persuade the farmers to adopt agroforestry. Furthermore, there is doubt of agroforestry systems on their productivity and economic benefits. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of agroforestry on farm productivity of smallholder farmers. Diffusion of Innovations theory by E.M. Rogers framed the concept of this study. The mixed-methods cross-sectional design was applied in this study to obtain deep insights into the farm productivity of the smallholder farmers practising agroforestry. The targeted population was smallholder farmers. Snowball sampling was also used to select households practising agroforestry for interview. Also, key informants were selected purposely based on information sought. The total of 59 respondents interviewed included smallholder farmers who practised agroforestry and key informants. Content analysis was used to analyse data for open-ended questions. The findings showed that agroforestry has the potential to foster farm productivity of smallholder farmers. However, most of the respondents have not taken full advantage of agroforestry. Therefore, it is recommended to promote and integrate tree species that replenish soil fertility as well as fruit trees in the farms in order for farmers to realise the productivity potential of agroforestry.

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