Gezahegn Tigistu, Negash Mesele, Yirsaw Eshetu
Department of Natural Resources Management, Dilla University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dilla, Ethiopia.
European Forest Institute, Roma, Italy.
Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2025 Sep 1;21(5):1098-1109. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjaf061.
Agroforestry, which integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, presents a promising solution for enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers against climate variability and socioeconomic challenges. In the Gedeo Zone of Ethiopia, specifically in Kochere, Wonago, and Yirgachefe districts, farmers are increasingly adapting agroforestry to improve their livelihoods and manage natural resources sustainably. This research investigates the socioeconomic benefits of agroforestry, focusing on its role in enhancing farmers' adaptive capacity. Using an explanatory research design, the study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Respondents were selected through multistage stratified sampling, with quantitative data collected from 384 farm households via structured questionnaires. The survey assessed the socioeconomic benefits of agroforestry adaptations. Additionally, focus group discussions and key informant interviews provided qualitative insights. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit regression model. The findings indicate a predominant engagement in coffee-based agroforestry systems, especially in Yirgachefe, where 77.17% of farmers participate, reflecting a tradition that supports economic stability and environmental sustainability. Moreover, the presence of enset-based agroforestry practices highlights the diversity of applications tailored to local needs. The results highlight the multifaceted benefits of agroforestry, including improved food security, increased income, and enhanced community resilience. Consequently, targeted support programs are recommended to promote sustainable practices and address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in highland areas, through collaborative efforts among stakeholders to foster resilience and productivity across agroecological zones.
农林业将树木和灌木融入农业景观，为增强小农户应对气候变化和社会经济挑战的复原力提供了一个有前景的解决方案。在埃塞俄比亚的盖德奥地区，特别是在科切雷、沃纳戈和耶尔加切夫等县，农民越来越多地采用农林业来改善生计并可持续地管理自然资源。本研究调查了农林业的社会经济效益，重点关注其在增强农民适应能力方面的作用。采用解释性研究设计，该研究使用了定量和定性方法。通过多阶段分层抽样选择受访者，通过结构化问卷从384个农户收集定量数据。该调查评估了农林业适应措施的社会经济效益。此外，焦点小组讨论和关键信息人访谈提供了定性见解。数据分析包括描述性统计和多元概率回归模型。研究结果表明，以咖啡为基础的农林业系统参与度较高，特别是在耶尔加切夫，77.17%的农民参与其中，这反映了一种支持经济稳定和环境可持续性的传统。此外，基于蕉芋的农林业实践的存在凸显了根据当地需求定制的应用多样性。结果突出了农林业的多方面效益，包括改善粮食安全、增加收入和增强社区复原力。因此，建议实施有针对性的支持计划，通过利益相关者之间的合作努力，促进可持续实践并应对农民面临的挑战，特别是在高地地区，以增强各农业生态区的复原力和生产力。
