Trend and Future of Agribusiness
Vol. 3 No. 1: (February) 2026

Drivers and barriers to Agroforestry adoption among forest farmers: A systematic review

Aini, Qonita Hasna’ul (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Agroforestry is widely promoted as a sustainable land-use system that addresses poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change. Despite its strategic role, adoption among forest farmer groups remains limited, indicating a gap between policy ambition and field-level implementation. Identifying the determinants influencing adoption decisions is therefore essential to improve intervention strategies. Methods: This study applies a systematic literature review of empirical publications from 2020–2025. Selected studies were synthesized to identify key determinants of agroforestry adoption, organized into four analytical pillars: economic, socio-cultural, institutional, and ecological factors. Findings: Agroforestry adoption emerges as a multifaceted decision shaped by interacting structural and contextual factors. Economically, income diversification and market access act as major incentives, though high initial costs and delayed returns constrain uptake. Socio-cultural factors, particularly farmer group participation, education, and social capital, significantly increase adoption likelihood. Institutional support—especially secure land tenure under Social Forestry programs and access to extension services—plays a decisive enabling role. Ecological pressures, including land degradation and soil erosion, frequently trigger transitions toward agroforestry as a resilience strategy. These determinants operate interdependently rather than independently. Conclusion: Effective agroforestry promotion requires integrated policies that simultaneously address economic viability, social capacity, institutional support, and ecological conditions. A holistic support ecosystem is needed to position farmers as active agents of sustainable land transformation. Novelty/Originality of this Article: This review synthesizes recent empirical evidence into a four-pillar analytical framework, conceptualizing agroforestry adoption as a dynamic and systemic process, and providing a structured basis for more coherent, evidence-based policy design.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

TAFOA

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Environmental Science Social Sciences

Description

Aims TAFOA aims to advance interdisciplinary dialogue at the intersection of agribusiness and sustainable development. The journal strives to facilitate collaboration among scholars, enhance understanding of human-environment interactions, and contribute to sustainable futures through the ...