A comparative study of agroforestry adoption as a climate change adaptation option in the Republic of Congo and Chad

Abstract

Agroforestry has been found to be an excellent adaptation option in the face of climate change. However, the adoption of this agroecological practice in the face of climate change remains limited, particularly in the Central African sub region. This study examines the agroforestry practices adopted by agropastoralists in the Republic of Congo and Chad as a response to climate change. The study made use of a mixed methods approach comprising household surveys and inventories on agroforestry plots. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS 20. The findings reveal a predominance of food crop-based agroforestry practices, with 40% of farmers in the Congo and 35% in Chad focusing on staple crops, reflecting a shared priority for food security. Notably, livestock-based practices are more prevalent in Chad (21%) than in the Congo (11%), underscoring the socio-economic importance of livestock in Chadian livelihoods. Cash crop adoption is also differentiated, with 17% of farmers in the Congo engaging in these practices compared to 10% in Chad, indicating varying market access and agricultural policies. While fruit tree integration is low in both regions (11% in the Congo and 12% in Chad), it highlights a potential area for growth that could enhance nutrition and income diversification. Market gardening practices in agroforestry systems are underutilized (10% in both regions), suggesting barriers to adoption that warrant attention. Determinants of agroforestry adoption include age, gender, financial access, education, and household size, with variations between the two countries. The findings further indicate that older, experienced farmers with financial resources are more likely to adopt agroforestry practices, while gender dynamics reveal that women hold valuable knowledge that could enhance implementation. The study concludes with policy implications aimed at improving financial access, providing targeted training, fostering social networks, and promoting underutilized practices.