EVALUATION OF THE HOMESTEAD AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES IN TWO UPAZILAS OF DINAJPUR DISTRICT

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the homestead agroforestry status, diversity and socio-economic benefits in two selected upazilas viz. Dinajpur Sadar and Kaharole of Dinajpur district. Data were obtained from 100 randomly selected homestead agroforestry practicing farmers in four unions, two from Dinajpur Sadar (Chehelgazi and Fazilpur) and other two from Kaharole (Sundarpur and Ramchandrapur) of Dinajpur district with the help of an interview schedule. Data were collected from the sample during March to May 2017. Appropriate scales were developed in order to measure the variables. The relationships between the selected characteristics (independent variables) namely-age, education, family size, homestead area, total annual income, annual income from homestead, organizational participation, socioeconomic aspect, knowledge of homestead agroforestry, communication exposure and number of trees in homestead (dependent variable). The correlation co-efficient (r) were computed to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Correlation analysis indicates that all the characteristics of respondents and farm components with number of tree in homestead agroforestry were statistically significant. A total number of 55 tree species were recorded from the homestead of the study area of which 23 were fruits and 17 were timbers 11 were medicinal and 4 were others species. Among the tree species the most prevalent species was Litchi (39.28) followed by Mango (15.35), Jackfruit (6.87), Sissoo (0.52) and Eucalyptus (0.24). The highest numbers of species (23) regardless of fruit species were found in the large farm categories, while the lowest numbers of species (4) were found in the land less farm category. It was observed that homestead was however size increased with the increase of farm size. The rate of tree plantation in the higher homestead area was higher than that of smaller ones. Among the problems faced by the farmers, the most severe problem was the quarrel with other landowner. The management practice of homestead agroforestry in the study area was found traditional system. Scientific planning in integrated homestead production systems of diversified production viz. vegetables, fruits, wood, fuel wood and timber production in agreement with the farmer‟s needs, goals and resource base can lead to viable farming systems towards sustainable livelihood in the coming years.