ABSTRACT
This study conducted a socio-economic assessment of agroforestry practices in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to select 6 communities out of 123, and data from 120 agroforestry farmers were collected through structured questionnaires. Upon analysis of field data using descriptive statistics showing frequencies, and analysis of variance with a 5% significance level, Home garden (20.0±0.0) was the dominant practice adopted, with majority of farmers (75%) having no particular tree arrangement within agroforestry plots. Cassava (28%) emerged as the primary crop cultivated. However, trees played a pivotal role in agroforestry practices of participants, with Elaeis guineensis (22%) being the most dominant tree species in agroforestry plots in Ovia North East. Majority of farmers identified increased income (39.2%) and as the most significant advantage. These economic benefits were observed amongst 72.3% of farmers that earned an average of #100,000 to #200,000 selling tree products. Amongst agroforestry farmers, fuel wood (20.0±0.0) was the main tree product obtained. Government intervention in agroforestry practices was minimal, with 70.0% of respondents perceiving no government involvement. Even though agroforestry had positive impacts on livelihoods, with all respondents reporting benefits such as increased food (100%) and fuelwood (100%) availability, challenges persisted still, with lack of knowledge or training (48.4%) being the most significant hindrance. In conclusion, the study underscores the socioeconomics of agroforestry in Ovia north east, while highlighting the potential for targeted interventions such as agroforestry education, subsidies, incentives and land tenure security to address challenges, and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers in this region.
