Abstract

---

A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the contribution of agroforestry on improvement of livelihoods of farmers in Balaka, Malawi with emphasis on (1) identifying the main forest products and services obtained from agroforestry trees, and (2) identifying the impact of agroforestry adoption on livelihoods of farmers. A total of 60 lead farmers from six villages; Joshua, Kapalamula, Malikula, Mpondabwino, Naliluwa and Sosola were used for the study. Data was collected using a standard structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. The results revealed that farmers identified the following as the main products obtained from agroforestry trees; fuelwood (48.3%), fruits (21.7%), medicine (15.0%) and fodder (15.0%). Fuelwood was ranked the most product obtained from the agroforestry trees indicating the reliance of farmers on the woody products as the main source of energy. The majority (68.3%) of the respondent indicated soil improvement as the main service obtained from agroforestry trees followed by water retention and conservation (20.0%), and then biodiversity conservation (11.7%). The major impact of agroforestry adoption to improvement of livelihoods of farmers identified were; increased income (51.7%), increased crop yield (33.3%) and improved health and nutrition (15.0%). Therefore, agroforestry is significant in improvement of rural community livelihoods. Hence, the present study recommends a strong need to intensify promotion of agroforestry and advocacy to policy makers.

---