Homegarden agroforestry practices and their effect on income diversification in Dello Mena and Harena Buluk districts, southeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

In developing countries, households employ several livelihood strategies to earn income and meet their basic needs through homegarden agroforestry (HGAF) practices. The extent of HGAF benefits to household depends on farm and household characteristics. This study examined the effect of HGAF on household income and income diversification in southeastern Ethiopia, in reference to HGAF practices, household wealth status, farm size, and farm age. A total of 96 HGAF practitioners (48 traditional and 48 improved) were randomly selected. Data were collected through household interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and vegetation surveys. Data analysis for income accounting and income diversification was performed. The statistical data analysis was conducted using R version 4.3.0 software. Our result revealed that crops, HGAF, forests, other AF, livestock, non-farm, off-farm, and remittance were the primary sources of income for studied households. Homegarden AF income shared 36.5% and 25.3% of household income for improved and traditional HGAF practitioners, respectively. Improved HGAF practitioners earned by 41.9% more net annual HGAF income than traditional HGAF practitioners. Similarly, HGAF income increased significantly as household wealth status, farm size, and age increased. Income from HGAF strongly and positively related to food crop species richness and the least relation was observed with other herbaceous. The income diversification of HGAF practitioners was significantly influenced by household wealth status, farm size, and HGAF practices. Encouraging households to adopt HGAF by supporting them with improved agricultural technologies is critical for improving farmers’ livelihoods through income diversification in the study area and beyond.