Environmental, Technical, and Resources Challenges Facing Agroforestry: A Case of Sustainable Land Management in Malaysia

Abstract

Sustainable Land Management (SLM) plays a crucial role in mitigating land degradation and fostering food security. While previous research has primarily concentrated on SLM's scientific application, there remains a lack of insight into the specific challenges encountered in agroforestry practices. Addressing this knowledge gap, our qualitative research employed a multimethod approach, integrating Gioia methodology with case studies, to investigate the obstacles within agroforestry. We utilized diverse data sources, including surveys, interviews, and field observations. A total of ninety-eight respondents contributed to the survey, the results of which underwent descriptive analysis. Furthermore, we conducted three focus group interviews involving stakeholders from government bodies and private plantation sectors. Our findings indicate that agroforestry stands as a vital strategy for food security. However, its implementation faces several barriers, notably environmental challenges such as climate change impacts and soil fertility degradation. Technical hurdles, including deficiencies in expertise and knowledge, were significant, as were constraints in resources like land availability, labor force, and financial investment. Two primary conclusions were drawn from our research: Agroforestry is substantially beneficial for food security, yet it encounters several challenges that restrict its full potential within the agriculture industry. Consequently, there is an urgent need to address the environmental, technical, and resource-related challenges to optimize the advantages of agroforestry in achieving sustainable land management and bolstering food security.