Agroforestry Systems and Farmer Profitability in Eastern Uganda: An Economic Assessment

Agroforestry systems combine trees with crops or livestock in a sustainable manner, offering potential for increased productivity and resilience in resource-poor settings such as Eastern Uganda. A mixed-methods approach combining household surveys with qualitative data collection to assess farmer perceptions, practices, and financial performance across different agroforestry systems in the region. The analysis reveals that integrating trees into farming significantly increases overall income by an average of 25% for participating farmers compared to traditional farming methods. Agroforestry systems show promise as a viable strategy for enhancing farmer profitability and environmental sustainability, particularly in resource-constrained agricultural landscapes. Local governments should encourage the adoption of agroforestry through policy support, extension services, and financial incentives to promote biodiversity and economic benefits among smallholder farmers.