Sammanfattning

Land degradation continues to be a major concern for agriculture in developing countries, including Tanzania. Agroforestry is one solution that benefits food production and reduces land degradation. However, various challenges hinder its widespread adoption. This study uses an integrated assessment framework, combining MESMIS (an indicator-based sustainability assessment framework) and ScalA (a scaling-up assessment tool), to evaluate sustainability and constraints to the widespread implementation of agroforestry in semi-arid Tanzania. The main goals are to: 1) identify existing agroforestry technologies adopted by smallholder farmers; 2) evaluate farmers' perception of sustainability regarding each technology's environmental, economic, and social impact; and 3) identify constraints related to the widespread adoption. Results show that farmers consider the following four technologies as the most sustainable: (i) tied ridge + tree intercropping; (ii) contour planting + tree intercropping; (iii) Chololo pits + tree intercropping; and (iv) tree intercropping alone. The findings indicate that, although farmers perceive the technologies positively, adoption is also influenced by local climate, socio-economic status, and institutional factors. The study highlights that a positive perception alone cannot ensure widespread adoption, emphasizing the importance of considering contextual factors. Further testing and application of the proposed framework in similar and comparative settings is encouraged as it provides valuable guidance when evaluating different agroecosystems holistically.

Nyckelord

Agroforestry; impact assessment framework; farmers' perception; soil and water conservation; sustainability

Publicerad i

International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
2023, Volym: 21, nummer: 1, artikelnummer: 2285161
Utgivare: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

SLU författare

• Lana, Marcos

  • Institutionen för växtproduktionsekologi, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Globala målen

SDG15 Skydda, återställa och främja ett hållbart nyttjande av landbaserade ekosystem, hållbart bruka skogar, bekämpa ökenspridning, hejda och vrida tillbaka markförstöringen samt hejda förlusten av biologisk mångfald
SDG2 Avskaffa hunger, uppnå tryggad livsmedelsförsörjning och förbättrad nutrition samt främja ett hållbart jordbruk
SDG9 Bygga motståndskraftig infrastruktur, verka för en inkluderande och hållbar industrialisering samt främja innovation


UKÄ forskningsämne

Jordbruksvetenskap


Publikationens identifierare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2023.2285161

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/127347