Enhancing Environmental Sustainability and Income Diversification through Agroforestry Practices in the Dollo Watershed, Kamba Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study evaluated the contributions of agroforestry to community welfare and environmental health in targeted regions. Data were collected from 231 farm households across five villages using close-ended and open-ended questionnaires, complemented by focus group discussions with community leaders, male and female heads of households, and farmers with various experience levels. A relative scoring method was employed to rank preferred woody species, with results indicating that 90% of participating farmers integrated agroforestry with monocropping, while only 9% practiced non-agroforestry agricultural activities. Among the 32 most preferred tree species identified for agroforestry, 79% were native and 21% were exotic. The findings revealed that 91% of respondents viewed agroforestry as their primary source of income while the 9% relied on non-agroforestry agricultural activities. Furthermore, 51% of households believed that agroforestry enhances biodiversity compared to monoculture, and 66.67% recognized increased crop output as its main advantage. However, as data collection was confined to a specific timeframe, seasonal variations in agroforestry systems and income generation were not fully captured. This underscores the necessity for innovative extension services and proactive engagement from governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance the role of agroforestry in improving rural livelihoods and the environment.

Keyword: Community; carbon sequestration; environmental sustainably; income; soil improvement