COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

DEPARMENT OF FORESTRY

Assessing the Existing Homegarden Agroforestry Practices

and Constraints in Banja Woreda, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

For Partial Fulfilment of Bachelor Degree

Student Name ID Number

1.
2.
3.

Supervisor: Mr. Achamyeleh Anteneh

Gondar, Ethiopia
 ABSTRACT

Keywords; - ………

i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (if)

ii
Table of Contents
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iii
LIST OF FIGURES

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LIST OF TABLES

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1. INTRODUCTION
Homegarden agroforestry is one of the type of agroforestry practice that deals with the
cultivation of multiple purpose trees, crops, and vegetables combined with livestock around a
homesteads (Nair and Sreedharan 1986); (Kabir & Webb, 2008); (Galhena et al., 2013).

Homegarden Agroforestry largely encourages and improves the farmers household income and
food consumption by diversifying and enhancing and closes the gaps between agricultural
production, socio-economic and environmental benefits (Asfaw, 2001); (Bogdanski et al., 2010);
(Mbow et al., 2014); (Gebre, 2016).

Taungya practice is one of the Homegarden agroforestry practices and it consists of the
cultivation of annual agricultural crops along with the tree species and easily returned of the
crops after the trees harvest again (Nair, 1993). It provides economic benefits and environmental
benefits such as soil conservation, and restoration of degraded land (Gebrehiwot, K., & Muys,
B., 2015).

In developing countries, especially in Africa, rapid population growth, the decline in per capita
food production, and poor practices of homegarden are main problems. Therefore, the necessity
of intensifying agroforestry based agricultural practices for livelihoods (Kang & Akinnifesib,
2000); (Harvey, 2004); (Asfaw Zebene & Ågren, 2007).

In northwestern part of Ethiopia there is low access of homegarden agroforestry practices.

Therefore, study will be discussed with some farmers to assess the potential of the existing
homegarden agroforestry practices and the constraints in the study area.

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 1.1 General Objective

 To understand the common existing homegarden agroforestry practices and

relative constraints in Banja woreda in Awi zone, Ethiopia.
1.2 Specific Objectives
 To describe crops, trees and animals commonly found in the study area
 To identify the most common types of existing homegarden agroforestry
practices and systems
 To evaluate the importance of homegarden agroforestry practices in study area
 To investigate constraints of homegarden agroforestry practices in the study area
 To assess the perspective of farmers towards homegarden agroforestry

1.3 Research Questions

What are the existing homegarden agroforestry practices and what are the main
constraints to adopting homegarden agroforestry practices in Banja woreda, Ethiopia?

1.4 Statement of the Problems

In my country Ethiopia farmers had large gap on adoption and access of homegarden
agroforestry practice on their own homesteads (Asfaw Zemede, 2001) (Bekele Jiru, 2019);
(Kefale, 2020). There is no more research done in Awi zone related with homegarden
agroforestry practice. So, many farmers not aware of the benefits of homegarden agroforestry
practices, due to lack of training and limited access to information to adopt these practices. Due
to this the most of the farmers were unable to access enough food production to their own
livelihoods. Therefore, study will be carried to assess potential of the existing homegarden
agroforestry practices through discussion with a little farmer and identify the constraints in the
study area.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The main significance of the study to identify the current homegarden agroforestry practices in
the study area, assess their effectiveness, and understand the constraints that limit their
implementation. This information can be used to develop sustainable and effective homegarden

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agroforestry practices that can improve crop yields and provide other products. Additionally, the
study can contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices related to
homegarden agroforestry in the area (Kidanu,et al.,2019).

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Concept of Homegarden Agroforestry

Agroforestry homegardens are small-scale agricultural systems that deliver multiple products
important for food security and livelihoods of rural households in Ethiopia (Admasu & Struik
2002; Almaz & Niehof 2004; Tesfaye 2005). These systems are based on traditional knowledge
and practices of local communities, gained over long periods of time and adapted to the local
environment. Homegarden are the most complex and diverse agro-ecosystems and this indicates
their suitability to fulfilling ecological functions (Fernandes & Nair ,1986).

Home garden agroforestry practice can be defined as a land use system, which involving
deliberate management of multipurpose trees and shrubs in intimate association with annual and
perennial agricultural crops and invariably livestock within the compounds of individual houses,
the whole tree-crop-animal unit being intensively managed by family labor (Kumar and Nair,
2004)Agroforestry homegardens are primarily characterized by a large diversity of plant species
and involve multi-purpose management of trees and shrubs in intimate association with annual
and perennial agricultural crops (Fernandes & Nair 1986; Kumar & Nair 2004; Peyre et al.
2006).

They are often combined with livestock within the compounds of individual houses, which helps
farmers to diversify their household production and financial income (Kumar & Nair 2004).
Thus, the traditional agroforestry homegarden has all the properties of a sustainable agricultural
system that helps maintain the natural environment, and provides multiple goods, services and
values important for economic viability and social welfare (Schaller 1993; Hansen 1996); Rigby
& Caceres 2001; Kumar & Nair 2006)

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2.2. Homegarden Agroforestry Practices and Agroforestry system

2.2.1 Homegarden agroforestry practices

Homegarden agroforestry and agroforestry systems in Ethiopia reflect a diverse array of

practices that integrate trees, crops, and livestock to enhance productivity, sustainability, and
resilience.

Homegardens are traditional agroforestry systems found in Ethiopia, particularly in the

highlands. These gardens are characterized by the integration of a variety of plant species in a
small area, creating a multi-layered and highly productive system (Tadesse, G. 2005)

Homogardens typically incorporate a mix of fruit trees, vegetables, legumes, and medicinal
plants. This diversity contributes to soil fertility, pest control, and food security. The dense
vegetation helps reduce soil erosion and improves water retention, which is crucial in the often-
fragile Ethiopian highland environment. The integration of organic matter from plant residues
and animal manure enhances soil fertility and structure (Mulugeta, A., & Jansen, K. 2011)

2.2.2Agroforestry Systems

Agroforestry systems in Ethiopia encompass a variety of practices that integrate trees, crops, and
livestock to create multifunctional land use systems. (Mekonnen, K., & Shiferaw, A, 2014),
Coffee agroforestry systems, which are common in Ethiopia, involve planting coffee under a
canopy of shade trees, such as Grevillea robusta, which helps in regulating temperature and
reducing pest incidence Getahun, B., & Mulugeta, A. (2007). integrate trees, vegetables, and
herbs in small plots around their homes. These systems play a crucial role in ensuring food
security and providing a steady supply of diverse foods (Mulugeta, A., & Jansen, K,2011).

In the southern parts of Ethiopia, enset-based agroforestry systems are prevalent; enset (Ensete
ventricosum) is grown alongside other crops and trees, providing resilience to climate variability
Hailu, G., & Tesfaye, W.2008),Home gardens, a form of agroforestry system, are widely

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practiced in Ethiopia’s rural areas, where they contribute to food security and nutrition by
integrating a diverse range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs Mulugeta,
A., & Jansen, K.2011).

In mixed-species agroforestry systems, various types of trees and crops are grown together,
which helps in improving soil fertility, controlling pests, and enhancing biodiversity Tadesse, G.,
& Teklehaimanot, Z.2004).

Agroforestry systems involving livestock integrate animals with trees and crops, benefiting from
manure for soil fertility and providing fodder and shade for animals. (Sibhatu, B. (2013). The
integration of trees into agricultural systems in Ethiopia helps in mitigating soil erosion and
enhancing water retention, which is particularly crucial in the country’s diverse and often fragile
landscapes Haile, M., & Selassie, Y.2009)

Agroforestry systems in Ethiopia also contribute to carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate

climate change impacts by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in trees and soil
(Boffa, J.-M.2000).

2.3. Constraints of Homegarden Agroforestry

2.3.1. Land scarcity

Homegarden agroforestry systems face several constraints when land scarcity is a significant
issue. One of the primary constraints of homegarden agroforestry under conditions of land
scarcity is the limited space available for planting a diverse range of crops and trees. This
constraint often leads to reduced productivity and less diversity in the homegarden (Citation:
Kassahun, A., & Zeleke, G. (2015).

In areas with high population density, the competition for available land resources can limit the
ability to expand or maintain homegardens, thereby reducing their effectiveness in providing
food and income (Mulugeta, A., & Jansen, K. (2011).

Scarcity of land often leads to increased pressure on the limited available area, which can result
in overuse and degradation of the soil, diminishing the sustainability of homegarden systems
(Gebremedhin, B., & Swinton, S. M. (2003). With limited space, homegarden systems may

5
require more intensive management and labor to optimize the use of the available area, which
can be a constraint for households with limited labor resources (Thrupp, L. A. (2000).

Land scarcity often correlates with limited access to necessary inputs such as seeds, organic
matter, and water, which can further constrain the productivity and sustainability of homegardens
(Woldemariam, T., & Solomon, K. (2017).

In regions with uncertain land tenure or insecure land rights, individuals may be hesitant to
invest in the long-term development of homegardens due to fears of losing access to the land
Ayele, G., & Zeleke, G. (2015). In areas facing severe land scarcity, economic pressures may
lead to the conversion of homegarden areas to other, more immediately profitable uses, reducing
the area available for agroforestry practices (Yigrem, S., & Ayalew, K. (2014)

2.3.2. Lack of incentives and Lack of knowledge and skills

Homegarden agroforestry systems can face significant constraints due to a lack of incentives and
insufficient knowledge and skills. Here’s a detailed overview of these constraints,

2.3.2.1 Lack of Incentives

Limited Financial Support: In many regions, homegarden agroforestry practices are not
sufficiently supported by financial incentives or subsidies, which can deter investment in such
systems and limit their expansion and effectiveness (Poudel, K., & Kanel, K. R. (2017). *

Insufficient Market Access; Without adequate incentives, such as access to markets for selling
surplus produce, farmers may lack motivation to develop and maintain homegardens, leading to
underutilization of the potential benefits of agroforestry. (Gockowski, J., & Dury, S. (2010)

Low Profitability: The absence of financial incentives can result in lower perceived profitability
of homegarden agroforestry systems, which might discourage farmers from investing time and
resources into such practices. (Boffa, J.-M. (2000).

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3.2.2.2 Lack of Knowledge and Skills

Insufficient Training: A lack of training and educational resources can hinder the effective
implementation of homegarden agroforestry systems, as farmers may not be aware of best
practices for managing diverse plant species and optimizing their productivity. (Ahmed, K., &
Shah, S. Z. (2014).

Limited Technical Knowledge. Farmers without adequate technical knowledge may struggle to
implement agroforestry systems effectively, leading to suboptimal results and reduced benefits
from homegardens. (Kiptot, E., & Franzel, S. (2012).

Lack of Access to Information: In many areas, farmers may have limited access to information
about innovative agroforestry techniques and the benefits of integrating trees with crops,
impacting their ability to effectively develop and manage homegardens. (Muthuri, C. W., &
Tschakert, P. (2012).

Cultural Barriers: In some communities, traditional practices and a lack of exposure to new
agroforestry knowledge can hinder the adoption of more effective homegarden practices.
(Karanja, N., & Muthuri, C. (2013).

Inadequate Research and Development: The absence of targeted research and development
programs to address local agroforestry challenges can limit farmers' knowledge and skills,
impeding the progress and success of homegarden systems.(Saka, J. (2014).

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3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. Description of the Study Area

Banja Woreda is a rural administrative district located in the Awi Zone of the Amhara Region in
Ethiopia. Agricultural activities are the main source of livelihood for its residents, particularly
crops such as wheat, maize, barley, fruits and a variety of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and
goats. The woreda is situated at an elevation of around 2,100 meters above sea level, and is
characterized by its warm and temperate climate, which is conducive to agriculture. The mean
annual rainfall is approximately 1,200 mm, making it a relatively wet area with abundant
rainfall. In terms of temperature, a mean annual temperature of about 20°C, with slight variations
depending on the season.

………Map

3.2. Sample size, Method of data collection and Data analysis

The study was carried out in the Banja woreda, Awi zone, Ethiopia. Accordingly, the district was
selected purposefully based on its exposure to homegarden agroforestry practices. The data were
collected from 7 individual farmers and 1 expert. The specific questions were implemented to
collect data on the general characteristics of sample farmers and to know facts about their
experience in homegarden agroforestry practice, reasons for their participation in agroforestry
practices, and constraints they face in the study area.

The recorded qualitative data have been analyzed through narration and description, using
percentages, and charts.

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4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1. Common crops, trees and animals found in the study area

4.1.1. Crops

The results of questionnaire on the farmers during my project work revealed the following crops
like, barely (Hordeum vulgare), Teff (Eragrostis tef), Wheat (Triticum aestivum), and
Vegetables like Cabbage (Brassica carinata), Potato (Solanum tuberosum), Tomato (Solanum
lycopersicum, Garlic (Allium sativm) were common crops and vegetables were grown around
the homestead in Banja woreda, north west Ethiopia. But, different crop and vegetation
production like enset (Ensete ventricosum), maize, chat, sugarcane compared to southern
Ethiopia (Abebe Tesfaye, 2005).

4.1.2. Trees

In Banja woreda Awi zone the trees like mango (Mangifera indica), avocado, (Persea americana)
were very important fruit trees. In addition to these, the farmers were also planting other trees
like gesho, (Rhamnus prinoides) for economic gain, Eucalyptus glubulus (nech bahirzaf) and
(Acacia decurence) for fuel wood production, (Justicia schimperiana), bamboo (Oxytenanthera
abyssinica), and Croton macrostachys largely for fence. They also try to adopt exotic trees like
Gravillia Robusta Cassurinea equstifollia, Cupresses Lustanica. But low adopted in fruit trees,
coffee and multipurpose timber trees (Cordia africana) in Banja compared to the southern Ethiopia
(Bekele Tona, 2017).

4.1.3. Animals

In Banja woreda Awi zone different types of animal productions have been found. As the
farmers respond the animals like Sheep, cows/oxen/, Poultry, Horses, and Honey beekeeping
were common. From those animals’ horse and oxen were used for ploughing of the land for
agricultural productions. But the problem to rare the most animals in Banja woreda is the scarcity
of range land. Farmers were not giving the highest priority of animal production as crop and tress
in Banja woreda.

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4.2. Types of Homegarden agroforestry practices and systems

4.2.1. Types of homegarden agroforestry practices

Types of Homegarden Agroforestry Practices (%)

15

75

80

Multipurpose trees near homestead

25
Crop rotations Coffee shade
75
Taungya practice Alley cropping

Figure 1. Types of Homegarden Agroforestry Practices

We can show above in the chart for homegarden agroforestry practice in Banja woreda ,awi
zone, Ethiopia multipurpose tree need homestead to used (75%) for those tree used the
community includes tree like mango(Mangifera indica)avocado(Persea americana)for vary
important ediabel fruit tree,planting other tree like gesho,(Rhamnus prinoides) for economic
gain, nech bhirzaf(Eucalyptus glubulus) and (Acacia decurence) for fuel wood producation,
bamboo(Oxytenanthera abyssinica) to used for fence.

other type of practices was coffee shade were this to use the community are (25%) particularly in
coffee cultivation, "shade" plays a crucial role. Shade agroforestry involves growing coffee
plants under the canopy of trees, which can offer several benefits, both to the coffee plants and
the surrounding environment (Gordon & Mackenzie, 2013).

Alley cropping is one type of homogarden agroforestry practice crops are grown in the alleys
between rows of trees or shrubs. This method can improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and

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increase biodiversity. The practice's adoption can vary widely based on local conditions and
agricultural goals (Beine, G., & Woldesemayat, A. (2021) but in Banja weroda, we can use this
practice was (15%) alone compere other practice vary low practice because the community not
enough of land availability and local agriculture practice.

crop rotation homegarden agroforestry practice is a fundamental practice in agroforestry and

home gardens, aimed at improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and optimizing yields,
(Hargrove, W.L. (1991).these practice to use in Banja woreda was (75% ) fore those crop
rotation uses the community includes crop like barely(Hordeum vulgary), Teff,(Eragrostis
tef),wheat,(Triticum aestivum),

homegarden agroforestryTaungya practice to use for (80%) we compere to other listed practice
used the community Higer percentage for Taungya practice because Taungya is an agroforestry
practice where crops are grown in the early stages of a forest plantation. This method integrates
agricultural and forestry practices to provide short-term economic benefits while establishing
long-term forest cover. In Banja Woreda, Ethiopia, this practice could be used to enhance local
livelihoods and support forest restoration efforts (Miller, J. R., & Hobbs, R. J.2011).

4.2.2. Adoption of Homegarden Agroforestry systems

……………………

Adoptation Homo garden Agroforstery system (%)

25
10

Agrosilvopasture (crops 65+ trees + livestock)

Agrosilviculture (crops + trees)
Silvopasture (trees + livestock)

Figure 2. Adoption of Homegarden Agroforestry system

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We can showily above Adoption homegarden agroforestry practice in Banja woreda, Awi zone,
Ethiopia are including, agrisivopasture (crop + tree + livestock) for uses (25%) Agrisilvopasture
is a term that combines three different agroforestry practices: agroforestry (integration of trees
and crops), silvopasture (integration of trees with pasture for livestock), and pasture
management. In essence, agrisilvopasture refers to a system where trees and pasture are managed
together with livestock, optimizing land use and enhancing sustainability (Miller et al., 2011).

agrisilviculture (crop + tree) for used (65%) an agroforestry practice that integrates agricultural
crops with trees in a managed system. It combines the benefits of both agricultural and forestry
systems to enhance land productivity, improve soil health, and provide diverse economic and
environmental benefits(Nair, 1993).

silvopasture (tree + livestock) to use thise practice was(10%) thise practice was compered to
others two practice vary low adoption of homogarden agroforestry system because
Understanding these reasons involves examining local socio-economic conditions,
environmental challenges, and knowledge gaps. Here are some potential factors that might
contribute to the low adoption (Altieri, M. A.1999).

4.3. Importance of Homegarden Agroforestry Practices

…………..

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 120 Homogarden agroforestry importance (%)
100
100 95
85
80
percentage of frequencey

60
40 25 25
15 10 15
20
0
/ e
g ain der
tion on alu
e
a lu
e
tio
n
had
al o o v a cti v v va S
f l
nici od/ s er
odu ica etic ser
a n pr ed th n
fin Fo co d M es Co
y ty o A r
e si o ate
on v er l w W
M i e
iod Fu nd
B ila
So
Importance of homogarden agroforestry

Figure 3. Importance of Homegarden Agroforestry

4.4. Constraints for Homegarden Agroforestry practices

…………..

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 100 95
Constriants of HAP BY Percentage (%)
90
80
80

70
60
60

50
percentage

40 35 35

30
20
20

10

0
d e l
lan s iv nne
f en a
y
o
int Ch
rcit bo
r
tin
g
a a e
Sc L ar
k
M
Constraints for homo garden agroforstry practices

Figure 4. Constraints of homegarden Agroforestry Practices

4.5. Perspective of farmers towards Engagement in Homegarden Agroforestry

…………….

………

Table 1. Engagements of Farmers on Homegarden Agroforestry practices

number Engagement of Farmers Agree Disagre

e
1 Involvement in homogarden agroforestry practice is 100 0
critical to attaining increase agricultural productivity
2 Involvement in homo garden agroforestry practice is 100 0
critical to increase farmer's financial income
3 Most farmers aren't willing to plant agroforestry trees 95 5
because of an absence of fund to buy seedlings
4 Involvement in homogarden agroforestry practice 95 5
enhances the farmers to access agroforestry tree
products

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5 Primarily aim of involvement in homogarden 90 10
agroforestry practice enhances the nutrition status of
the farmers' households
6 Engagement in homogarden agroforestry practice 85 15
helps to the improvement of soil fertility
7 Engagement in homogarden agroforestry practice 70 30
helps to conservation of biological diversity

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5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

…….

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REFERENCES
……..

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APPENDIX

Title: - Assessing the Existing Homegarden Agroforestry Practices and

Constraints in Banja Woreda in Awi zone, Ethiopia.

Questions for Interview

1. What are the main crops and multipurpose trees grown, and animals reared in Awi zone and
the current extent of adoption of homegarden agroforestry in the study area?

2. Which homegarden Agroforestry practices are largely adopted in your locality? multiple
selections are feasible.

A. Multipurpose trees near homestead

B. Crop rotations
C. Coffee shade
D. Taunya practice
E. Alley cropping
F. Other’s list ---------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Which homegarden agroforestry system is largely adopted in your locality? multiple
selections are feasible.

A. Agrosilvopasture (crops + trees + livestock)

B. Agrosilviculture (crops + trees)
C. Silvopasture (trees + livestock)
4. What's the importance of homegarden Agroforestry? multiple choice?

A. Money financial gain

B. Food/ Fodder/
C. Biodiversity conservation
D. Fuel wood production
E. Medical plants
F. Aesthetic value
G. Soil and Water Conservation

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 H. Shade
I. Different please list -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. What are the key constraints that impact you not to adopt homegarden AFP? multiple
selections are feasible.
A. Scarcity of land
B. Poor Soil fertility
C. Poor access to extension services
D. Marketing Channel
E. Moisture stress
F. Labor intensive
G. Others, please list -------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Farmers’ perspective towards engagement in homegarden Agroforestry practices in Banja
woreda. highlight (Agree or Disagree)

1. Involvement in homegarden agroforestry practice is critical to attaining increase

agricultural productivity Agree
2. Involvement in homegarden agroforestry practice is critical to increase farmer's financial
income Agree
3. Most farmers aren't willing to plant agroforestry trees because of an absence of fund to
buy seedlings
4. Involvement in homegarden agroforestry practice enhances the farmers to access
agroforestry tree products Agree
5. Involvement in homegarden agroforestry practice enhances the nutrition status of the
farmers' households Agree
6. Engagement in homegarden agroforestry practice helps to the improvement of soil
fertility Agree
7. Engagement in homegarden agroforestry practice helps to conservation of biological
diversity

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