Determinants and perceptions of farmers towards tree planting on farmland in northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Studying the socio-economic factors affecting tree planting on farmland is crucial to plan and prepare strategies and actions for the dissemination of agroforestry technologies. This study has investigated the determinants and perceptions of farmers towards tree planting on farmland. Data were collected from 204 households that had farmland in Jama district, Northeastern Ethiopia. By using a household questionnaire, information on tree species grown and uses as well as socioeconomic characteristics were collected through interviews. Field observation was conducted to cross-check the tree species that grown in the farmers' land. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze and interpret the raw data. The results showed that a total of 15 tree species were recorded on the farmers' land in different niches. Sesbania sesban (74.36%), Acacia melanoxylon (56.41%), and Eucalyptus globulus (47.43%) were the most frequently grown tree species. While, Eragrostis tef and Triticum aestivum were the major crop species cultivated. However, the greater proportion (89.7%) of respondents did not have trees inside the farmland. The binary logistic regression model revealed that socio-economic variables such as age, wealth status, educational status, and problems of tree seedling survival rate had significant effect on farmland tree planting. Moreover, household energy sources, tree seedling access, and tree management problems had a significant effect on the perceptions of farmers towards planting trees on farmland (40.2% variance explained). The findings suggested that parkland agroforestry intervention with appropriate tree species is required to increase income and crop productivity.