Farmers’ perception of agroforestry adoption in the Asunafo South District in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

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Date
2011-12-02
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Abstract
Farmers’ perception of agroforestry adoption is important for the promotion of agroforestry which was the focus for this study conducted in the Asunafo South District in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Agroforestry is considered to have the potential to improve farming in the Asunafo South District. However, it has been observed that some problems are affecting the adoption of agroforestry in the district. The objectives of the study were to assess farmers’ perceptions of adopting agroforestry technologies, assess farmers’ preferences of indigenous trees suitable for agroforestry technologies and to identify the socio-economic factors that influence the adoption of agroforestry technologies in the district. The instruments used for collecting data from the 120 respondents were questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field observations. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS), version 16. Chi-square was used to test variables at 5% level of significance. Results indicated that 64.2% of the 120 respondents had knowledge of agroforestry whiles 35.8% had no knowledge. Some farmers (37.1%) practice agroforestry whiles a greater percentage of farmers (62.9%) are not practicing it. Indigenous trees identified by farmers that could be incorporated into agroforestry technologies are Onyina (Ceiba pentandra), Otie (Pycnanthus angolensis), Bese (Cola nitida), Essa fufuo (Celtis mildbraedii), Ofram (Terminalia superba), Onyamedua (Alstonia boonei), Nyankyerene (Ficus exasperata) and Emire (Terminalia ivorensis). The major socio-economic factors affecting farmers decision to adopt agroforestry technologies include land tenure (42.3%), risk and uncertainty (20.6%), low level of education (28.0%) and market availability (9.1%). The study recommends adequate education for farmers to promote adoption of agroforestry technologies. In addition, secure land rights when enforced would enhance adoption of agroforestry technologies in the district.
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A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science and Technology, Kumasi in the Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master Of Science Degree in Agroforestry.
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