Socio-economic Contribution of Fruit Tree-Based Agroforestry Practice in Moret and Jiru District, North Shewa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Gyrinops walla Gaertn is the only agarwood resin producing species naturally growing in Sri Lanka, which Fruit-tree-based agroforestry practices play a significant role in improving livelihoods and provide multiple contributions to household income and supplementary food for smallholder farmers. However, there is limited quantitative empirical evidence on the socio-economic contribution of fruit-based agroforestry practices. Thus, this research addresses the socio-economic contribution of fruit tree-based agroforestry practices for smallholder farmers and compares income from these practices in the study area. Therefore, this research aims to (i) assess the socio-economic contributions of FTBAFP to smallholder farmers; ii) compare the income of FTBAFP in the Moret and Jiru Districts, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected in three purposively selected Kebeles using a household survey (149 households), key informant interviews (18), focus group discussions (3), and field observations, given the high potential for fruit production and the ease of data collection. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statics. Socioeconomically, FTBAFP provides income (84%), food (67.1%), traditional medicine (50.3%), fuelwood (26%), poles for construction (16%), and timber (8%).The mean gross total annual income of adopters and non-adopters was 112183.6 and 78356 (in ETB), respectively. Government institutions and non-governmental organisations should encourage farmers to adopt and expand fruit-tree-based agroforestry practices, given their significant contribution to household income, food security, and overall livelihoods. Further research is needed on productivity levels and the value chain analysis of fruit tree-based agroforestry practices to support sustainable rural development.