Adaptation Reasons for Agroforestry in the Study Area of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

It is paramount to assess the social and economic status of the farmers in the adaptation of any agroecosystem. Studies on the impact of socio-economic factors specifically in the agroforestry system adaption are meager in Uttar Pradesh. The present research was carried out in the villages of the three selected districts (Kaushambi, Pratapgarh, and Allahabad) of Eastern Uttar Pradesh with 750 respondents in 2020. The investigation aimed to assess the reasons in the study area to adopt the agroforestry models. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the respondents and primary, as well as secondary data, were used for qualitative and quantitative analysis by using an appropriate statistical design. Results showed that socio-economic factors, like family size, education, and age of the farmers greatly impacted the adaptation and difference in combinations of agroforestry systems. The land area under Agroforestry in Kaushambi with 54% followed by Pratapgarh (52%) and Allahabad (50%). the majority of the farmers adopted trees on their farmland for traditional purposes in the Kaushambi district (72%) and in Pratapgarh and Allahabad districts 72% and 70% respectively. The adoption of agroforestry systems for commercial purposes was observed highest in Allahabad (18%) followed by Kaushambi (16%) and Pratapgarh (12%). The Agrisilviculture system is practiced in the three districts and there were different combinations recorded in Pratapgarh (Teak+paddy: 96%); Allahabad (Eucalyptus+mustard: 96%) and Kaushambi (Teak+ mustard: 95.6%) districts. Conclusively, this study would be an asset and provide an idea for the policymakers in implementing or promoting agroforestry system practices in Uttar Pradesh.