Adoption of agroforestry practices in Bangladesh as a climate change mitigation option: Investment, drivers, and SWOT analysis perspectives

Abstract

Amid the epoch of global climate change, agroforestry practice can be a critical resolution as it can help develop sustainable agriculture by promoting food security, food diversity and bringing valuable income sources. This study draws impetus from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) on climate change mitigation (SDG-13). In this milieu, our study attempted to uncover the investment analysis, determinants, and SWOT analysis of agroforestry practice adoption in Bangladesh. Following the multistage random sampling technique, our study included 240 respondents. Results revealed that although most of the farmers (65%) are familiar with agroforestry practice, few of them experienced it. Financial or investment analysis was done for several combinations of trees and vegetables. Discounted cash flow measures, i.e. NPV, BCR, and IRR were used as the indicators of investment analysis. It was found that agroforestry offers higher BCR, NPV, and IRR; therefore, farmers can decide to adopt agroforestry. Results from the binary Logistic model delineated that greater household size, younger respondents, people with higher education, having training experiences, more extension visits, and better access to the market are more likely to adopt agroforestry. Farmers' problems were also identified and ranked by using Problem Confrontation Index (PCI). Whereas, lack of technical support, lack of technical skill and knowledge, lack of training, and lack of motivation and information were among the prime constraints in agroforestry adoption. Lastly, a SWOT analysis has been done, showing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of agroforestry practices. Indeed, our study will provide not only hands-on knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of agroforestry practice in the study areas but also a broad overview of the country. To disseminate agroforestry practice throughout the country, strengthening DAE's (Department of Agricultural Extension) efforts by providing suitable training might result in real advantages for farmers.