Abstract
This study was carried out in the Onigambari area of Oyo state to determine the choice of farmers to practice Ago-forestry in the area. The χ2 test result revealed that the educational level of the respondents correlated highly with the respondents major occupation (p<0.01). χ2 test shows that there was significant relationship (p<0.01) between the respondents’ level of education and awareness of agroforestry systems. This shows that farmers with a better educational background can accept agro forestry easily than those will lower education. Farmers’ awareness of Agroforestry systems, willingness to plant trees, purpose of planting trees and desired tree species were evaluated. It was observed that 74% of the respondents are not willing to practice agroforestry while 24% shows interest. 64% confirmed they are aware of the practice while 32% had never heard of such practice. The t-test result shows a significant difference with respect to the willingness of the respondents to practice agroforestry. Of those that areaware, 38% practice agroforestry for the purpose of fuel wood, 36% as source of income while only 2% practice for the purpose of wind breaking. Eucalyptus calmuldulensis, Magnifera indica, Gmelina aboreal are some of the tress used for this practice in the study area. Lack of seed and scarcity of land were identified as limiting factors that prevent farmers from practicing agroforestry. In summary it was observed that the respondent’s level of education correlated significantly to the level of education, also the level of education determines respondent’s willingness to practice agroforestry. It is recommended that Seeds, Seedlings and land be made available to encourage the practice among farmers. Extension workers are encouraged to engage farmers more on the benefits of agroforestry.
 Keyword: Farmers, Agroforestry, Climate change, Land degradation, Natural Fallow
Highlights
By intercropping trees and woody perennials with crops on farms and rangelands, agroforestrydiversifies and sustains production for increased socio-economic and environmental benefits forland users at all levels (Kumar and Nair, 2006; Jose, 2009)
The χ2 test result revealed that the educational level of the respondents correlated highly with the respondents major occupation (p
Land degradation implies a reduction or loss in arid, semiarid, and dry sub-humid areas of biological or economic productivity of land, usually resulting from land use cover change (LUCC) or processes arising from anthropogenic activities, such as soil erosion caused by long-term deterioration of natural vegetation ( Mundia and Aniya, 2006)
Summary
By intercropping trees and woody perennials with crops on farms and rangelands, agroforestrydiversifies and sustains production for increased socio-economic and environmental benefits forland users at all levels (Kumar and Nair, 2006; Jose, 2009). Agroforestry is a “collective name for land-use systems and technologies where woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.) are deliberately used on the same land-management units as agricultural crops and/or animals. Land degradation implies a reduction or loss in arid, semiarid, and dry sub-humid areas of biological or economic productivity of land, usually resulting from land use cover change (LUCC) or processes arising from anthropogenic activities, such as soil erosion caused by long-term deterioration of natural vegetation ( Mundia and Aniya, 2006). Agroforestry technologies in Nigeria have been practiced at research stations since 1980 and on farms since 1984 in collaboration with farmers (Franzel et al, 2002). The findings of this research is expected to probe the factors that influence farmers choice of adopting agroforestry to enable policy makers accelerate and encourage its practice
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