The effectiveness of agroforestry on agricultural productivity and erosion control in Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21750/REFOR.17.01.112Keywords:
Agroforestry, Erosion, Agricultural Productivity, RwandaAbstract
Agroforestry bridges the gap that often separates agriculture and forestry by building integrated systems that address both environmental and socio-economic objectives. Agroforestry can improve the resiliency of agricultural systems and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Existing research suggests that integrating trees on farms can prevent environmental degradation, improve agricultural productivity, increase carbon sequestration, generate cleaner water, and support healthy soil and healthy ecosystems while providing stable incomes and other benefits to human welfare. This research aims to provide for identifying and adopting the evidence demonstrating the effects of agroforestry practices and interventions on agricultural productivity, erosion control, ecosystem services, and human well-being.
To study the effectiveness of agroforestry on agricultural productivity and erosion control in Rwanda, raw data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire and focus groups. It was found that most farmers (95.6%) adopted and were fully engaged in agroforestry while all the officials made up to the mark. Woody species like Grevillea robusta, Cassia siamea, Albizia spp, Acacia albida, Persea americana, and Mangifera indica were found to be tree species the most integrated with crops in all the provinces of Rwanda. It was evident that farmers practice agroforestry to enhance the overall sustainability of farming systems by improving agricultural productivity and preventing erosion.
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