AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES IN BANGLADESH: PERSPECTIVES ON KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION, AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Agroforestry practices in Bangladesh…

Abstract

Agroforestry is one of the sustainable land management techniques, involving a combination of different agricultural, horticultural, and forestry practices to maximize 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 the food security. Agroforestry practices can serve this purpose in developing agro-based economy like Bangladesh. This study therefore is undertaken to reveal the farmer’s knowledge on agroforestry practice, willingness to practice agroforestry and to examine the economic benefits of adoption of agroforestry. Following multistage random sampling technique, a total of 240 farm households were selected from certain char areas of Mymensingh, Jamalpur and Sherpur districts of Bangladesh. 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 with agroforestry practices (65%), but just a handful have actually used them. The farmers who adopted agroforestry practices or interested to adopt, expect support (cash or kind) from 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.