Adoption of agroforestry technologies: a case study from central highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

This study analyzed adoption of agroforestry technologies in the central highlands of Ethiopia. A binary logistic regression model was used based on a survey of 96 adopters and non-adopter farmers. The results showed that all the farmers had a positive perception of agroforestry technology and that farmland boundaries were the most widely adopted agroforestry technology (81%), followed by farmland tree planting (71%). Alley cropping was the least preferred agroforestry technology by farmers (11%), followed by garden agroforestry technology (37%). Agroforestry was perceived as a major contributor to various products and improved soil fertility by 29% and 28%, respectively, of the farmers. Family size and customary rules are significant determinants of agroforestry technology adoption (p < 0.01). Access to extension services was also significantly correlated with the adoption of agroforestry technology (p < 0.05). Adoption of agroforestry technologies is important to address the continuous depletion of forest resources and improve the livelihood of farmers. The potential influence of these determinant factors should be taken into account when identifying suitable agroforestry technologies.