Local Knowledge on Factors Leading to Agroforestry Diversification in Mid-hills of Nepal

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the factors that affect decisions made by smallholder farmers in Mid-hills region of Nepal in diversifying tree and crop species on their agroforestry farmlands. Using an analytical hierarchical process implemented through focus group discussions in five sites in Kavre and Lamjung districts, the study documented 18 tree and crop species preferred by farmers and grown on their agroforestry farmlands. It was found that farmers select tree species based on ‘output-based’ strategy, primarily considering the products or the functions of the tree species. In contrast, they select crop species based on ‘input-based’ strategy, primarily considering enabling or constraining conditions for crop cultivation. The tree species having favourable characteristics such as fast growing, multipurpose, and low resource competitiveness in intercropping were the most preferred tree species. For crop species, availability of enabling and constraining factors to crop growth such as climate condition and land suitability, and availability of irrigation system were the predominant factors for species selection. Furthermore, preferences for tree species were considerably influenced by socio-economic conditions—household economy and ethnicity—whereas crop selection was not influenced by such conditions. We recommend that local context and knowledge, especially farmers’ preferences in tree and crop selection and factors affecting their preferences, should be taken into account while formulating effective agroforestry programs and policy for Mid-hills of Nepal.