Impact of agroforestry on rural livelihood, income generation, and poverty alleviation in Daura Emirate, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of agroforestry practices on rural livelihoods, income generation, food security, and poverty alleviation in Daura Emirate, Katsina State.Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis were employed using SPSS version 26. The result indicate that Agroforestry participation was 97.8%, with 61.1% of practitioners having more than six years of experience. Silvopasture (47.8%) and alley cropping (40.0%) were the dominant systems. The majority (85.6%) reported improved overall livelihoods, with increased income (48.9%) and crop yield (34.4%) as main benefits. Regression analysis revealed significant positive impacts on food security (R²=0.122, p=0.001) and poverty alleviation
(R²=0.223, p=0.000). However, income generation showed no statistically significant effect (p=0.603) despite 87.8% reporting income diversification and 71.1% deriving 26-75% of total income from agroforestry. Primary constraints included lack of resources (30.0%), market access (27.8%), and climate change impacts (27.8%). Agroforestry significantly contributes to food security and poverty alleviation in Daura Emirate. The income paradox highlights measurement challenges rather than absence of economic benefits. Addressing market access, resource availability, and knowledge gaps through targeted policy interventions is essential for optimizing agroforestry's livelihood contributions in semi-arid Nigeria.