Impacts of agroforestry technologies on livelihood improvement in Vihiga County, Kenya

Abstract

The adoption of agroforestry technologies remains an important strategy to reduce poverty and hunger among resource-constrained rural farmers. However, the potential contribution of agroforestry technologies to the economy and sustainable development goals in Vihiga County, Kenya, is yet to be fully exploited. This study determined the impacts of agroforestry technologies on livelihoods and the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry technologies. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample four major villages in Hamisi and Sabatia sub-counties; Shamakhokho, Kaimosi, Sabatia, and Mago. A total of 110 households were interviewed. Semi-structured questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect quantitative data, while key informant interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant level was expressed at P≤ 0.05. The Chi-square test of association indicated that the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry technologies were income (χ2 = 20.951) and land size (χ2 = 23.282). The study showed that 85% of respondents reported over 30% monthly income increase from the sale of agroforestry products, such as; firewood (57%), timber (27%), fruits (15%), and charcoal (1%). In light of the benefits realized, 57% of the respondents affirmed that they were able to meet their basic needs from agroforestry technologies. In conclusion, this study established that agroforestry technologies positively impacted the livelihoods of farmers in the study area. The study recommends strengthening extension service delivery, intensifying agroforestry production through diversification of agroforestry products and harmonizing the market structures.