Socioeconomic Impacts of Agroforestry Practices in District, Charsadda
Socioeconomic Impacts of Agroforestry Practices in District, Charsadda
Kashif Haleem, Basheer Ahmad, Muhammad Rayyan, Nowsherwan Zarif, Saif Ullah Khan, Salman Ahmad and Anwar Ali*
ABSTRACT
A survey was carried out in Tehsil Charsadda of Charsadda District to ascertain the socio-economic profile of the farmers resulting from Agroforestry and to evaluate the impacts of Agroforestry practices in the study area. Using two-stage random sampling, data was collected from eighty respondents through a structured questionnaire. The primary motivations for planting trees were income (67.5%) and timber (31.25%), with firewood being a minor reason (1.25%). A significant majority (78.75%) of respondents grow trees on their farmland to sell them and support their families, while 21.25% use the trees for personal purposes. Most respondents (61.25%) use LPG for cooking and heating due to its availability, while 32.5% also use firewood, and 6.25% use crop residues along with firewood. Of the 80 respondents, 63.75% use fuelwood from their farmland, and 36.25% purchase it from the market. Regarding agricultural production, 35% of respondents indicated that crop trees increase production, while 58% believed that the prevalence of poplars in the area decreases agricultural production due to shade and water absorption, and 8% reported no impact. The findings reveal a significant annual income from selling farm trees, ranging between Rs 1 and 2,000,000. According to the data, 61.25% of respondents reported that agroforestry increases milk sales, while 38.75% stated it reduces milk sales due to competition between poplars and agricultural crops for water, resulting in less fodder and reduced livestock sales. To improve the situation, better coordination between forest authorities and local farmers is necessary. Forest authorities should address misconceptions about agroforestry, educate farmers on the benefits of various tree species, including environmental benefits, fruits, and fodder, and provide tree saplings. Additionally, new plantations should be established to combat climate change.
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