TheImpacts of Apple-based Agroforestry Practices on the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The introduction and expansion of apple-based agroforestry practices contribute to eco-environmental sustainability and positively affect smallholder farmers' socioeconomic well-being. This paper investigates apple production patterns, its livelihood implications, and challenges in Southern Ethiopia, focusing on Chencha Woreda. Mixed research approaches were used to acquire and analyse data. Purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were applied to select sample kebeles and 309 farm-households. Questionnaires, interviews, FGDs, field observations, and document reviews were employed to collect data. Data were analysed quantitatively using SPSS and qualitatively. The study revealed that apple was introduced to Chencha by missionaries, nevertheless, with notable time lag for its intensive production. Field data confirmed spatial variation in apple production, areas relatively close to Chencha town produces more apples than farther kebeles. The land covered by apples at woreda and household levels is negligible compared to the potential. Educational status, age, landholding size, distance, and development agents’ support significantly influenced apple farm size in the study area. Regardless of the multifaceted challenges (land fragmentation, shortage of inputs, knowledge gaps in harvesting, increasing illegal marketing, and prevalence of thieves), apple production positively contributed to farmers' livelihoods. The livelihood assets ownership status of apple-producer farmers was highly improved compared to the previous conditions. Designing progressive capacity-building programs, adequately supplying agricultural inputs/tools, and introducing a strong apple production policy will offset the challenges and enhance farmers' productivity.