Extension Demonstrations and Field Days for Promoting Climate-Resilient Alley Cropping: A Case of Glen Arm, Maryland

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an extension field day in increasing participants’ knowledge, perception of sustainability, and willingness to adopt climate-resilient alley cropping (CRAC) in Glen Arm, Maryland. The field day included a tour to the demonstration site along with a classroom participatory discussion on key CRAC practices, including vegetables, fruit trees, cover cropping, water harvesting, composting, mulching, and integrated pest management. Of the 61 participants, 24 completed the survey. The majority of participants were Asian (87%), female (71%), and college-educated (71%). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a significant gain in knowledge after participating in the field day (p = 0.0023). Overall, the program was well received by participants, with 83% reporting satisfaction and 75% showing interest in adopting CRAC practices. However, several factors were identified as barriers to adoption, including high initial costs (36%), limited extension services (27%), and low institutional support (23%). These findings suggest that experiential field days can increase knowledge and encourage willingness to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices among diverse communities. However, addressing financial, extension, and institutional barriers is necessary to promote wider use of CRAC practices.