Analysis of Tea Agroforestry System: The Case of Kyenjojo District in Uganda

Abstract

Uganda is one of the countries in east Africa where agroforestry farming system has spread in twelve agro-ecological zones. Agroforestry practices are critical in all agro-based sectors like tea industry because of benefits like provision of fuel wood for curing tea. The purpose of this study was to understand the current agroforestry practices adopted by smallholder tea estate farmers and investigate options for scaling up the technology to alleviate the fuelwood scarcity faced by tea industries. The study involved a survey that was conducted in Kyenjojo district located in Western Uganda in June 2020. A total of 65 small holder tea farmers (respondents) were interviewed during the study. A purposive sampling method was used and data analyzed with SPSS to generate descriptive statistics that included frequencies, percentages, tables, graphs and charts. Results showed that shade was the most benefit of agroforestry trees by a proportion of 33% towards tea growing and followed by climate modification at 24%. Protection of the environment was also revealed as one of the leading benefits of tea agroforestry with a proportion of 34%, as well as trees acting as a source of poles at 23%. Eucalyptus at 34% was the most dominant agroforestry tree used at tea farm level as a woodlot, followed by Grevillea robusta at 28%. The most dominant adoption method of tea agroforestry practices at tea farm level was through farmers learning from fellow farmers at 34%, followed by adoption by trainings at 23%. Planting of agroforestry trees was the only remedy stated by farmers as an effort done to retain trees on farm. As a recommendation towards increased uptake of agroforestry at farm level, farmers identified certification and other factory-based incentives such as Rain Forest Alliance being the most important. Based on the identified benefits of tea-agroforestry systems, efforts should be made by Public, Private and Development partners to make all tea farmers aware of the existing and appropriate agroforestry practices while developing appropriate incentive models for increased adoption of tea agroforestry system in Uganda.