Exploring the Contribution of Agroforestry Practices to Income and Livelihoods of Rural Households in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia.

Agroforestry practices play a vital role in improving rural income and livelihoods, yet quantifying their contributions in Ethiopia remains limited. This study investigated the contribution of agroforestry practices to rural income and livelihoods, along with factors influencing income derived from these practices. A two-stage sampling method was employed to select 160 rural households engaged in home garden and woodlot agroforestry practices. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, content analysis, generalized linear model, Mann–Whitney U test, and financial analysis tools were used to analyze and interpret the data. The results demonstrated that agroforestry practices provide numerous benefits to rural households, including fuelwood, charcoal, poles, construction materials, fodder, perennial crops, food crops, and fruits for both consumption and income generation. Agroforestry practices significantly increased farm income, contributing 18.2% of the total household income. This income significantly supported annual household expenditures across various livelihood capitals. Income from woodlots was significantly higher than that from home gardens, while home gardens showed a better overall capability to improve livelihoods. Household size, agroforestry size, gender, crop income, access to seedlings, and farm elevation positively and significantly (p < 0.05) impacted agroforestry income. Overall, agroforestry practices significantly contribute to annual income and improve the human, social, natural, physical, and financial capital of rural households in the Tarmaber district. Policymakers and practitioners should consider the socioeconomic, ecological, and institutional factors influencing agroforestry income when developing policies and strategies to improve rural income and livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]