Farmers' decision making in adoption of agroforestry species : a case study in Dhading District, Nepal | |
| Author | Lobre, Magali |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.RD-02-01 |
| Subject(s) | Farmers Decision making Nepal Agroforestry Nepal |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The overall objective of this study is to understand farmers' decision-making process in adoption of agroforestry, in order to suggest strategies to promote socially adoptable and economically beneficial agroforestry species. The study was conducted in Galaundu/Pokhare Khola sub-watershed of Dhading district, located in the central hills of Nepal, where Nepal Agroforestry Foundation has initiated agroforestry promotion activities since 2000. The study area was divided into two agroecological zones, based on biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics. Household survey of a total of 94 farm households combined with group discussions and semi-structured interviews were carried out. Besides, observation and secondary sources also contributed to this study. Analytical tools employed include statistical tests, Weighted Mean Indexes and correlation analysis. Farming is the main source of livelihood of all sampled households. Subsistence production systems where crop, livestock and perennial components are integrated provide basic household needs. Various agroforestry species are grown under different systems. The results revealed a general preference for agroforestry species providing nutritious and palatable fodder and possibly other products such as fuelwood. Knowledge and advice on the adoption of agroforestry species were provided mainly by Nepal Agroforestry Foundation, fellow fa1mers, friends and relatives, whereas governmental extension workers almost never visited the area. The main reasons that motivated the adoption of agroforestry were the scarcity of fodder and the saving of time for the collection of forest products. Decline in forest resources due to deforestation and increased households' needs motivated farmers to grow agroforestty species on their farmland. Little consideration was however given to the economic potentials of agroforestry, due mainly to a lack of awareness on market potentials for agroforestry products. Farmers were aware of the positive role of perennials in reducing soil erosion, but negative effects of agroforestry species on crops through shading effect and roots hindering ploughing operations were identified as their main disadvantages. Among the socioeconomic factors influencing agroforestry adoption, area of bari and kharbari owned, household size, livestock herd size, amount of annual income and membership in community based organizations were found to be significantly correlated with the number of agroforestry species grown on the farmland. According to biophysical conditions and farmers' needs and constraints, several agroforestly species have been identified as locally suitable and socially adoptable. Their adoption would contribute positively to environmental conservation and would bring opportunities for income generation. The successful adoption of agroforestry species calls however for a better promotion of agroforestry. In this regard, strategy and research recommendations for agroforestty promotion are presented. The suggested strategy includes the formulation of agroforestry related policies, the creation of awareness, the provision of info1mation, the enhancement of participation through community based organizations and the strengthening of support services and facilities. |
| Year | 2002 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Thapa, Gopal B.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Pongquan, Soparth;L. Webb, Edward ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | European Commission (DGlB-EC of the European Union);Postgraduate Technological Studies Program; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2002 |