Review on Economic Role of Agroforestry Practices in Ethiopia

Abstract

Agroforestry is important for reducing poverty, improving food security and sustaining environmental quality. It is an alternative and probably cheaper option for agricultural intensification and sustainability in Ethiopia. The role of forests and forest products to household food security and to the national economy is indispensable. There are huge potentials for Agroforestry development in the Ethiopia, such as the existence of indigenous woody perennials (the basic component of Agroforestry practices), commodity crops (coffee and fruit), other types of crops, livestock components integrated together and modern knowledge of the Agroforestry which enable managing the modern Agroforestry practices. Indigenous Agroforestry practitioners provide the level and depth knowledge that has developed over centuries among the indigenous people. Local knowledge on Agroforestry management includes the practices and decisions made by local people. Agroforestry system classified in to agrosilvicultural systems, silvopastoral systems and agrosilvopastoral systems. Agroforestry is economically important in food security, improving rural incomes and nutrition, protecting biodiversity and environmental services, fuel wood for the household energy, building materials, high quality fodder for livestock and other ‘non timber products such as nuts, fiber, medicines, resins and high value fruits for income, and others. Therefore Agroforestry practice is so important that need improvement in production and management to transform from traditional to modern production system and also need integration in production practices.

Keywords: Agro forestry, Agrosilvicultural, Silvopastoral ,Agrosilvopastoral

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/15-4-01

Publication date:August 31^st 2025