Farmer’s perception and adoption of agroforestry technologies in Eastern Rwanda

Abstract

Agroforestry systems are multifunctional settings that can provide a wide range of economic, sociocultural, and environmental benefits; it also improves soil fertility. Through the LDCFII-EbA project, the government of Rwanda started to implement the ecosystem restoration activities in 2017 to restore landscapes and improve peoples’ livelihoods including the Eastern part of Rwanda where this research was conducted and documented on how agroforestry technologies are contributing to ecosystem restoration. Direct observation and interviews with multi-stakeholder participants helped to document agroforestry tree species planted in the project sites, the contribution of agroforestry to the supply of tree products to the smallholder farmers, and the challenges affecting the adoption of agroforestry technologies in the study area. Hedgerow system was the dominant agroforestry technology. Firewood was the dominant benefit of practicing agroforestry technology according to the interview participants; whereas termite attack and drought were reported as the main challenges impeding the adoption of agroforestry technologies in the study area. Future research is recommended to identify most adapted tree species and their management practices. It is recommended that indigenous species be prioritized in agroforestry because they are already adapted to the local conditions while exploring exotics which may be beneficial.