Empirical study on cashew agroforestry adoption in a fragile and resource-scarce environment: The case of smallholder farmers in the west coast region of the Gambia

Understanding the profitability, acceptability, feasibility, and associated factors of cashews agroforestry is crucial for empowering low-income smallholder farmers. It supports their economic survival, risk reduction, and adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. This study examines whether cashews agroforestry adoption is a safe and reliable choice for smallholder farmers in a fragile, resource-scarce environment to enhance soil fertility, reduce degradation and improve overall land health for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Data were collected from 20 smallholder farmers in Kombo East, The Gambia, via a survey. Results showed cashews agroforestry profits were higher than other crops. A 1-ha cashews farm has a net present value of USD1,030.45 when discounted at 20 %, with a cost-benefit ratio of 2.93 and an internal rate of return at 47.2 %, despite poor rainfall and 40 % loss during harvesting. More than half of the farmers expanded their farms, with 70 % motivated by income generation and soil improvement. They adopted multiple cashews agroforestry systems. The study reveals cashew agroforestry as a reliable option for smallholder farmers, especially those with limited land, enhancing earnings and improving soil conditions. Key factors influencing adoption include farm expansion ability, land availability, rainfall variability, gender, firewood and charcoal needs, windbreak and erosion control, and cashews profitability. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers to promote tree-based agroforestry in The Gambia and for comparable smallholder farmers, as it is financially appealing, reduces labour demands, and presents lower risk than monocropping systems.