Effectiveness of agroforestry in enhancing climate change resilience among smallholder farming communities in Mufindi District, Tanzania
摘要
Agroforestry is increasingly recognized as a sustainable land-use practice that integrates trees with crops and livestock to enhance climate resilience. This study assessed farmers’ perceived effectiveness of agroforestry in sustaining household climate resilience in Mufindi District, Tanzania. A cross-sectional design was employed, combining quantitative data from 209 household surveys with qualitative insights from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and chi-square tests, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings show that agroforestry enhances soil fertility (69%), reduces soil erosion (60%), improves water retention (43%), supports biodiversity (40–63%), and increases agricultural productivity, including crop diversification (77%) and yield (71%). Economic benefits included income diversification, with 46% of households reporting increased earnings from timber, fruits, and other tree products. Chi-square results revealed significant associations between agroforestry adoption and farm productivity (p = 0.000), financial stability (p = 0.010), and environmental well-being (p = 0.041). Constraints include limited market access, inadequate extension services, and crop-tree competition. The study concludes that agroforestry is strongly perceived by farmers as an effective climate adaptation strategy that promotes environmental sustainability, food security, and economic resilience. It recommends targeted policies to strengthen farmer training, improve market access, and support wider adoption to sustain long-term livelihoods and ecosystem health.