Current status, challenges, and opportunities of agroforestry in rice-based mixed farming systems in Northern Bangladesh

Agroforestry in rice-based mixed farming systems enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, boosts farm productivity, and provides additional income through diversified crops and products. To know the current status, challenges, and opportunities of agroforestry in rice-based systems, this study was conducted in Northern Bangladesh. Data were collected from 120 farmers through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, and in addition, several focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted. Agroforestry systems observed include homestead agroforestry, integrated cropland agroforestry, windbreak plantations, fodder bank agroforestry, aquaforestry, and timber-fuelwood systems. Among these, homestead agroforestry emerged as the most prevalent (90.8% adoption), providing diverse income streams and nutritional benefits through fruits, vegetables, and timber. Rice-tree combinations, such as rice with litchi (Litchi chinensis), mango (Mangifera indica), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), and betel nut (Areca catechu)/tal (Borassus flabellifer), offer unique socio-economic and ecological benefits as perceived by the respondents. High initial costs, inadequate knowledge and skills, land ownership patterns, and market access are some of the major challenges that hamper extensive adoption. However, agroforestry in rice-based mixed farming has great potential to improve net primary value (NPV), year-round income, climate resilience, and soil health, among many others. Training, subsidized inputs, market access, and credit facilities are some of the major supports required to accelerate the adoption of agroforestry, as perceived by the respondents, offering important guidelines for researchers and policymakers.