Determinants of Small Holder Farmers` Decision to Practice Agroforestry in Rulindo District, Rwanda

Abstract

Agroforestry plays an important role in production of both local and global commodities. It plays a strategic role in helping many countries to meet key national development objectives, especially those related to poverty eradication, food security and environmental sustainability. The Government of Rwanda, through its Vision has committed itself to an ambitious target of increasing agroforestry area to 85% in all farm lands by 2030. Various studies have been reported from different parts of the country, but there has been no research on determinants that influence the farmers’ decision on planting agroforestry trees on farms in Rulindo District. The current study addressed this knowledge gap by identifying socio-economic characteristics and factors influencing decision to plant trees on farms, limitation of the farmers and motivating factors which could increase farmers’ willingness to adopt agroforestry on their farms. This study was based on data from a survey of 270 smallholder farmers randomly selected and interviewed using semi structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and a Probit model were applied in data analysis. Results showed socio-economic factors have effects on farmers’ decision to practice agroforestry. For instance; land size, access to extension services and household size had a positive and significant effect, power in decision making to plant agroforestry trees in household was identified by respondents as an important factor affecting practice of agroforestry. More specifically, being men increased the power on decision making at household on planting of Agroforestry trees on agricultural land. Inadequate knowledge and skills on Agroforestry hindered the farmers from planting more trees on their farms. It was concluded that small land sizes and inadequate knowledge and skills on Agroforestry were limitations on the farmers’ decision to practice agroforestry in Rulindo District. The results of the study implied that strengthening extension services and capacity building of local actors in agroforestry should be targeted. Additionally, policies promoting agroforestry system that is more gender equitable, productive and market oriented should be implemented.