paraphrase ;Huye district, Rwanda. A sample of 100 households was selected by stage sampling, randomly choosing four cells and two villages per cell in Mukura Sector. Face-to-face interview was dispensed to household heads, and data were collected on agroforestry practices, on-farm tree species, tree spatial arrangements, tree products, and the adoption rate. Woody species diversity and similarity were determined by using Shannon–Weiner diversity and Sørensen’s indices, respectively. Sixty percent of the farmers practiced agroforestry. Ten woody species were observed to grow on farm, providing varied products of timber, firewood, food and fodder, stakes for climbing beans, and income. Low adoption of agroforestry practice was reported resulting from small land, land tenure, ignorance, unavailability of tree seedlings, and the avoidance of tree-crop competition. On-farm tree diversity was observed to be higher than several other sites in Rwanda. The different cells of Mukura Sector grow the same woody species on the farms as demonstrated by reasonably high indices of similarity. We recommend that efforts be made to reinforce extension services to improve farmers’ awareness on the contribution of agroforestry to their social wellbeing. Ways of making seedlings available for planting
Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous environmental and socioeconomic benefits. It helps improve soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation, while also providing income diversification and food security to farmers. Despite its potential, the adoption of agroforestry practices varies across different regions and communities.
Huye District, located in the Southern Province of Rwanda, is known for its strong agricultural sector. However, the rate of adoption of agroforestry practices in the district, specifically in the Mukura Sector, remains unclear. Understanding the factors influencing the acceptance and implementation of agroforestry practices is crucial for designing effective promotion strategies and supporting sustainable development in the area.
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The study found that 60% of farmers in the area practiced agroforestry, and they grew a total of ten different woody species on their farms. These species provided a variety of products including timber, firewood, food, fodder, and stakes for climbing beans, thus contributing to income diversification and food security. However, the adoption rate of agroforestry practices was reported to be low due to factors such as small land sizes, land tenure issues, lack of awareness, unavailability of tree seedlings, and concerns about competition with other crops.
Interestingly, the study also observed that the diversity of on-farm trees in the Mukura Sector was higher compared to other sites in Rwanda. Additionally, all the cells in the sector grew the same woody species on their farms, indicating a reasonably high level of similarity.
Based on the findings, the study recommends reinforcing extension services to improve farmers' awareness of the benefits of agroforestry. It also suggests finding ways to make tree seedlings more readily available for planting. The adoption and promotion of agroforestry can significantly contribute to the social wellbeing of farmers in the Huye District and support sustainable development in the area.
Overall, agroforestry has gained recognition for its environmental and socioeconomic advantages, but its adoption varies across different regions and communities. Therefore, understanding the factors influencing its acceptance and implementation is essential for effective promotion and support of agroforestry practices.