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ECONOMIC VALUE OF SMALL-HOLDER AGROFORESTRY FARMING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Publication Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2026

Author(s): Nnama, U. C., Iroha, G. A., William, O.

Journal Name: (IJAEMD)

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the economic value of agroforestry in enhancing environmental sustainability in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. A survey research design was employed, with data collected from 150 farmers using a well-structured questionnaire administered across five council wards through simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that agroforestry practitioners had a significantly higher mean annual net farm income (₦270,000) compared to conventional farmers (₦90,000), representing a 200% increase. Agroforestry systems contributed significantly more to environmental sustainability, with mean perception scores of 4.52 for soil fertility improvement (t = 6.85, p = 0.000), 4.61 for erosion control (t = 7.60, p = 0.000), 4.25 for water retention capacity (t = 5.25, p = 0.000), and 4.38 for biodiversity enhancement (t = 8.11, p = 0.000) compared to conventional farming. Major barriers to adoption included lack of knowledge/training (mean score 4.68), lack of initial capital/credit (4.45), and long gestation periods of trees (4.25). Regression analysis revealed that awareness of support policies (β=0.391, p=0.000), access to credit facilities (β=0.325, p=0.000), and access to extension services (β=0.288, p=0.000) were significant predictors of farmers’ willingness to adopt agroforestry, with the model explaining 66% of the variance (R² = 0.68, Adj R² = 0.66, F = 29.12, p = 0.000). The study concludes that agroforestry offers a viable pathway to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability in Makurdi, and recommends that policymakers prioritize farmer education and training, facilitate access to credit and seedlings, strengthen agricultural extension services, and develop clear policy frameworks to promote the widespread adoption of agroforestry practices.

Keywords: Agroforestry, Economic Value, Environmental Sustainability, Barriers to Adoption, Policy Frameworks, Makurdi LGA