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Research article2024Peer reviewed

Exploring farmers’ perceptions on improved avocado on-farm integration and factors influencing tree-crop interactions in Central Ethiopia.

Seid, Hadia; Kessy, John; Sigrun Dahlin, A.; Asfaw, Zebene

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate smallholder farmers’ perceptions of the integration of avocado cultivars into farmlands and the influencing factors in Upper Gana and Jewe Kebele, Central Ethiopia. Household surveys and key informant interviews were conducted. Household survey data were obtained from a purposive sample of 164 avocado growers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Key informant interviews were conducted using a snowball approach. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used for data analysis. The results showed that Hass, Ettinger, and Nabal were the avocado cultivars preferred by respondents. Home gardens and fruit orchards were the most preferred niches for avocado cultivation. About 64% of the respondents confirmed the positive effects of avocado farm integration, while 65% expressed concerns about possible adverse effects with annual crops. Limited access to grafted seedlings and low technical expertise in the propagation of avocado cultivars were hinder avocado integration. Regression analysis revealed that land tenure, tree management practices, availability of family labor, low access to grafted seedlings, and farmers’ concerns about potential resource competition between avocados and annual crops had a significant influnce on farmers’ decisions on avocado on farm integration. Thus, understanding farmers’ attitudes is crucial for promoting the adoption of avocado on farm integration.

Keywords

Smallholder avocado growers; farm integration; resource competition; tree management

Published in

Forests, Trees and Livelihoods
2024, Volume: 33, number: 4, pages: 334-350

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Agricultural Science
    Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
    Horticulture

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2024.2374255

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/131313