SPECIES COMPOSITION, MANAGEMENT AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT THROUGH CROPLAND AGROFORESTRY IN NORTHERN PART OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Cropland agroforestry is one of the most sustainable agroforestry system practiced all over the world due to its social and economical benefits. In Bangladesh currently self motivated farmers are practicing cropland agroforestry through applying their indigenous knowledge. But for better production, it is necessary to practice it by using scientific and indigenous knowledge. But there is a huge knowledge gap about it. So, the present study was designed to identify the species composition, management practices and role of cropland agroforests to improve the livelihood of the farmers in northern Bangladesh. The data of the study were collected through quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 102 cropland was surveyed during the study in Thakurgaon sadar and Pirgonj upazilla of Thakurgaon District. The result of the study revealed that, a total of 29 tree species (forest and fruit trees) were planted by the farmers in their cropland and more than 30 species of agricultural crops. Most of the farmers plant trees in the boundary of their cropland (69.6%) followed by composite plantation system (62.7%), scattered tree plantation technique (53.0%) and trees in the alley of the cropland (43.1%). Mangifera indica (Relative prevalence 49.03) was the most prevalent fruit tree followed by Litchi chinensis (Relative prevalence 13.07) and Artocarpus heterophyllus (Relative prevalence 4.05). Among the timber species, Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Relative prevalence 35.42) was the most prevalent species followed by Swietenia mahogoni (Relative prevalence 12.07) and Acacia auriculiformis (Relative prevalence 3.55). The majority of the farmers (90%) practiced cropland agroforestry for fruit production, 87% for fuel wood production and 79% for timber production. Pruning and thinning was done frequently to manage the trees. Fruit trees were planted with wider spacing while forest species were planted with shorter spacing. Farmers’ livelihood has improved a lot by practicing cropland agroforestry. Now they have more access to food, fodder and fuel wood. The total productivity has also increased resulting in higher family income. However, farmers have experienced higher attack of insect, pest and diseases to the annual crops and trees.