Assessment of Farmers Perception and Problems towards Adoption of Agroforestry Practices in Coastal Area of Bangladesh: A Study in Noakhali District

The economy of Bangladesh largely depends on agriculture. Agroforestry is one of the modern agricultural practices which ensure maximum utilization of resources and offer sustainable environmental and economic development. The present study was carried out to find out farmers’ perceptions and problems towards the adoption of agroforestry practices in the coastal area of Bangladesh. In total, 400 farmers were selected from five upazila of the Noakhali district following a proportionate random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews, case studies, and focus group discussions (FGD) were used to obtain the data. Statics such as range, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, and correlation analysis were applied. Most of the respondents were middle-aged (45%) with a low literacy rate and large family size (55%). The majority of them (50%) had small-sized land, and they had limited access to agricultural training. A greater part of the respondents (61%) had a very low level of knowledge of agroforestry practice. Silvopasture and homestead agroforestry system was practiced by most of the farmers (77%) without proper concept. Only 11% of the respondents know and practice multistrata agroforestry, which is one of the best agroforestry practice. The perception of the respondents towards the adoption of agroforestry was found low in most of the cases. They expressed a low level of acuity towards agroforestry, and they were not so interested towards the adoption of these practices. “Agroforestry adoption may be hampered by a lack of institutions and policies to support it” and “Lack of knowledge and awareness on agroforestry practice” was identified most significant problems with a chi-square value of 41.6 and 39.2 at 5% level of significance. Respondents’ knowledge of agroforestry, exposure to training, and farm size were positively and significantly correlated with their adoption of the practice (r = 0.437^∗∗, 0.572^∗∗, and 0.64^∗∗, respectively). Demonstrations, awareness campaigns, financial incentives, and collaborations between government organizations and NGOs may increase the adoption of agroforestry practices in the coastal region of Bangladesh.

Introduction

Bangladesh is a predominantly agricultural country and very densely populated (both in number and in density), with the sector accounting for 13.02% of the GDP of the country and about 39.46% of the total workforce and because 87% of rural residents depend on agriculture either directly or indirectly, it is acknowledged as a productive sector of the economy [1]–[3]. The area of the country is very small and has a huge population, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world with an annual growth rate of 1.37% [4]. Agriculture is the primary employment sector for a maximum number of people, where maximum land is utilized for agricultural production. In the era of the 21^st century, addressing Sustainable Development Goals is mandatory through which the progress of a country can be measured. Rapid population growth has created new pressures on limited resources such as agriculture, forests and land. Bangladesh’s forest cover is one of the lowest at 11%, and at the same time, its deforestation rate is the highest at 3.3% per year of any country in the world [5]–[7]. The coastal belt of Bangladesh extends over 710 kilometers long along the Bay of Bengal. The coastal zone constitutes 20% of the total area and 28% of the total population in Bangladesh [8]. Agricultural laborer, small farmers, fishermen folk and the urban poor make up 71% of the 6.85 million households in the coastal belt [9], [10]. Bangladesh experiences annual natural calamities like floods, hailstorms, soil erosion, landslides, heavy rain, and drought. As a result, people suffer from diseases, malnutrition, poverty, and hunger. To address this vulnerability, agroforestry is a promising sector that can effectively respond to these challenges [11]. Agroforestry has the potential to improve living standards by reducing poverty. Proper management practices in agroforestry can also help mitigate climate change. In developing countries like Bangladesh, homestead agroforestry has contributed to food and nutrition security, poverty reduction, income generation, reducing inequalities, and empowering women [12]. There is an urgent need to find the best possible way to produce more agricultural crops and forest products using these scarce resources to meet the demands of a growing population. The current land use system in Bangladesh, which divides land between agriculture and forestry, will not be sufficient to meet the needs of the rural population [13]. Therefore, agroforestry is preferred over multiple cropping because it can generate income from agricultural produce as well as the sale of trees, enabling it to meet the diverse needs of rural people [14].

Agroforestry systems directly and indirectly control soil erosion, preserve soil organic matter, improve soil physical properties, fix nitrogen, provide nutrients, improve nutrient circulation, improve soil activity, and improve soil. Increases water availability and supports the regeneration of disturbed soils fertility [15]. Agricultural forestry has attracted the attention of scientists and development planners to improve traditional agricultural methods, harmonize food production and environmental conditions in the region, the implementation of land use, taking into account socioeconomic considerations. Therefore, the study was undertaken in remote coastal areas to provide practical lessons from a case study with agroforestry practices to improve the economic well-being of poor coastal communities. Therefore, the adoption of agroforestry systems can address pressing issues such as rapid population growth, deforestation and environmental degradation [16]. The knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of potential adopters towards agroforestry play a crucial role in the agricultural sector. Farmers’ perception of climate change is also important for policymakers in determining adaptation strategies. Therefore, this research aims to investigate farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and problems towards agroforestry adoption as a sustainable farming system. Therefore, the present study is conducted in a coastal area of the Noakhali district with the following objectives:

• to analyze the socioeconomic condition of the respondents,
• to know farmers’ perception of agroforestry practices and their impact against climatic hazards and on their livelihood and
• to identify the problems farmers face in adopting agroforestry practices and generate some recommendations.

Materials and Methods

Location and Sampling

Noakhali, a district in southern Bangladesh, was selected as the study area for this investigation. Noakhali is located in the country’s southeast, in the Chittagong Division. It is situated between 22°07′ and 30°08′ North latitude and 90°53′ to 91°07′ East longitude and has a total size of 4202.60 km². Noakhali experiences an annual minimum temperature of 14.4 ^∘C and an average temperature of 34.3 ^∘C. 3302 mm of rain falls annually on average.

Sampling

The Noakhali district was chosen as the initial sampling unit on purpose. To choose the communities, a multistage random sampling strategy was employed. Five upazilas (subdistricts) were randomly selected as the second sampling unit out of the nine. As the third sampling unit, two unions were randomly chosen from each of these five upazilas. Then, two villages were chosen at random from each union. Proportionate random sampling was used to choose a total of 20 respondents from each village, yielding a total of 400 participants in the survey.

Theoretical Framework

In order to gather the data for this study, both primary and secondary sources were used. Fig. 1 represents theoretical framework of the study. To obtain comprehensive information on respondents’ attitudes and demographics, primary data was gathered using questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. Data on the household and occupational characteristics of farmers, their opinions of agroforestry, and demographic factors that may affect their decisions to adopt agroforestry methods were collected using a standardized questionnaire.

Fig. 1. Theoretical framework of the research.

Secondary data sources included magazines, books, publications, government agencies, consultants, local leaders, reports (published and unpublished), and internet browsing.

Data Analysis

According to the study’s goals, the data gathered from the respondents was assembled, coded, tallied, and examined. The SPSS/PC+ computer programs were used to analyze the data. For each category, the respondents were divided into a number of groups to describe the numerous independent and dependent elements. The association between various factors was evaluated using correlation analysis.

Results and Discussion

Social Demographic of the Respondents

The coastal zone of Bangladesh faces different natural hazards. The economic condition of local people is very poor. The coastal area of Bangladesh is a one-of-a-kind region with specific socio-demographic features that are influenced by its geography, environment, and economy. Located along the Bay of Bengal, this region is inhabited by a varied population that faces both advantages and difficulties due to their surroundings. The researcher divided the age of the respondents into three categories, namely: Young, Middle, and Old aged. Age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 72 years. The majority of respondents were middle-aged (45%), followed by old age (33.5%) and young people (21.5%). The educational status of the farmers is presented in Table I. About 46.67% of the farmers were illiterate, followed by primary school level (30%), secondary school level (16.67%) and tertiary level (6.66%). In the case of family size, the majority (55%) of the respondents had a large family consisting of more than 8 members, followed by a medium (35%) family size. Only 10% of the respondents had a small family size consisting of less than 5 members.

Table I. Sociodemographic Characteristics of the Respondent in the Study Area

Variable	Category	Percentage
Age	Young ( less than 25 years)	21.5
	Middle aged (25–45 years)	45
	Old aged ( more than 45 years)	33.5
Educational	Illiterate	46.67
qualification	Primary	30
	Secondary	16.67
	Tertiary	6.66
Family size	Small (less than 5)	30
	Medium (5 to 8)	35
	Large (more than 8)	55
Occupation	Farming and wage earning	3.33
	Farming and business	53.34
	Farming and service	6.66
	Farming as sole profession	36.67
Land size	Small (less than 1.15 ha)	50
	Medium (1.16 to 4.33 ha)	30
	Large (more than 4.34 ha)	20
Farming experience	Low (less than 6 years)	13.33
	Medium (7 to 20 years)	76.64
	High (more than 21 years)	10
Agriculture related	Participated in training program	21.5
training experience	Have no training	78.5

Most of the farmers (53.34%) took farming and business as their sole profession. Only 36.67% of the farmers work only on agricultural activities. The land size of the farmers was divided into three categories: (a) small, (b) medium, (c) large. Data presented in Table I showed that 50% of farmers had less than 1.15 ha of land, 30% of farmers had medium land, and 20% of farmers had more than 3.34 ha of land. From this table, it was found that 76.64% of farmers had 7 to 20 years of farming experience, 13.33% had less than 6 years of experience, and more than 10% of farmers had more than 21 years of farming experience. A total of 78.5% of respondents had no training in agricultural activities, and only 21.5% of the farmers had training in agricultural practice.

In general, this information provides insights into the sociodemographic features of people involved in agricultural activities in the coastal area of Bangladesh. The majority of individuals were middle-aged. The level of education varies, with a significant proportion being illiterate or having only completed primary education. The main occupation is a combination of farming and business. This data is valuable for understanding the demographics and characteristics of individuals involved in agriculture in the coastal zone. It can help guide policies, interventions, and development strategies specifically tailored to this region.

Knowledge on Agroforestry Practice

The knowledge level of the respondents on agroforestry practice was calculated by using a 5 point Likert type scale. Their knowledge level was categorized into three categories viz. Low level of knowledge, medium level of knowledge and high level of knowledge. Data in Fig. 2 represent the knowledge level of the respondents on agroforestry practice. The majority of the respondents (61%) had a very low level of knowledge, followed by medium level (26.5%) and high level (12.5%).

Fig. 2. Knowledge level of the respondents on agroforestry practice.

It originated that the knowledge level of the respondents on agroforestry practice is very low. Most of the farmers in the study area are illiterate, and they are not well aware of modern agricultural practices. In most cases, they practice agroforestry without knowing it. The majority of farmers engage in homestead agroforestry, but not in a methodical manner. If we can increase their knowledge level by providing training and other means then their agricultural productivity will be increased as well as they will get the height benefits from agroforestry.

Different Agroforestry System Practiced by Farmers

Agroforestry is an integrated land management approach that combines trees or woody plants with agricultural crops and/or livestock to create more sustainable and productive land use systems. Farmers in the study area practiced different agroforestry systems. Data of Fig. 3 represent different agroforestry systems practiced by the respondents.

Fig. 3. Different agroforestry system practiced by the respondents.

Alley cropping is a method where rows of trees or shrubs are planted alongside rows of crops. This helps prevent soil erosion, improves water retention, and provides shade for the crops. This system is mainly practiced in the homestead area where farmers mainly grow different types of vegetable crops. In total of 22% of farmers practice alley cropping methods in the study area.

Silvopasture involves integrating trees with livestock grazing. The trees provide shade for the animals, improving their comfort and reducing heat stress. They also contribute to soil health, nutrient cycling, and can even provide fodder for the animals. Silvopasture systems are designed to balance the needs of both livestock and tree growth. Most of the farmers (77%) in the study area practice this agroforestry system.

Windbreaks, also known as shelterbelts, are rows of trees or shrubs planted along field edges to protect crops, livestock, and soil from wind erosion. In total, 16% of farmers practice windbreak methods in the study area.

Forest farming is the cultivation of crops and non-timber forest products under the canopy of a managed forest. This can include growing medicinal herbs, edible mushrooms, berries, and other understory plants while maintaining a forest ecosystem. Forest farming is prominently seen in the newly developed char land. A total of 19% of farmers are directly involved in forest farming.

Multistrata agroforestry involves cultivating multiple layers of plants in a single system. This includes tall trees, shorter trees or shrubs, and ground cover crops. By utilizing vertical space and different plant types, this system maximizes resource use efficiency and biodiversity. Only 11% of the respondents practiced multistrata agroforestry.

Most of the respondents of the study have a very low level of knowledge on agroforestry. They do not know the benefits of the agroforestry system. If we can disseminate the knowledge of agroforestry among the farmers in the coastal area, then the farmers, as well as the whole coastal community, will benefit.

Perception of Respondents on Impact of Agroforestry System against Climatic Hazards and on Their Livelihood in Coastal Area

Agroforestry systems have the potential to effectively reduce the negative impacts of climate hazards in coastal areas of Bangladesh, where the population is particularly vulnerable to climate change effects such as sea level rise, cyclones, and increased salinity. Farmers’ responses were taken on this issue. Data in Table II represent the perception of the farmers on the impact of agroforestry systems against climatic hazards and on their livelihood in the coastal area.

Table II. Perception of Respondents on Impact of Agroforestry System against Climatic Hazards and on Their Livelihood in Coastal Area

SL	Items	SA (%)	A (%)	U (%)	DA (%)	SDA (%)	Mean	σ	Decision
1	Agroforestry systems, such as windbreaks and shelterbelts, act as natural barriers that decrease wind speed and minimize the destructive effects of strong winds on crops, livestock, and infrastructure.	103 (25.75)	107 (26.75)	118 (29.5)	35 (8.75)	27 (6.75)	3.44	1.34	LP
2	The root systems of trees in agroforestry systems help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and preserving fertile topsoil.	114 (28.5)	143 (35.75)	85 (21.25)	48 (12.0)	10 (2.5)	3.75	1.16	LP
3	Trees in agroforestry systems create microclimates that are more favorable for plant growth.	75 (18.75)	54 (13.5)	205 (51.25)	43 (10.75)	22 (5.5)	3.29	1.33	LP
4	The trees in agroforestry systems serve as protective shields, preventing wind erosion and storm damage.	224 (56.0)	127 (31.75)	22 (5.5)	16 (4.0)	11 (2.75)	4.34	1.14	HP
5	Agroforestry systems that include salt-tolerant tree species create a buffer zone, reducing the impact of salinity on crops and providing a more suitable environment for cultivation.	103 (25.75)	76 (19.0)	179 (44.75)	32 (8.0)	10 (2.5)	3.56	1.38	LP
6	Agroforestry systems increase biodiversity by integrating multiple plant species.	203 (50.75)	109 (27.25)	31 (7.75)	36 (9.0)	21 (5.25)	4.09	1.08	HP
7	Agroforestry systems can include both crops and tree products, diversifying income sources.	110 (27.5)	165 (41.25)	107 (26.75)	95 (23.75)	23 (5.75)	4.36	1.18	HP
8	Agroforestry provides a safety net during climatic disasters, as if one aspect of the system is affected, other components can still provide income and sustenance.	209 (52.25)	165 (41.25)	22 (5.5)	4 (1.0)	0 (0.0)	4.45	0.98	HP
9	Agroforestry can be a community-based approach, encouraging local participation and ownership.	94 (23.5)	109 (27.25)	167 (41.75)	21 (5.25)	9 (2.25)	3.75	1.44	LP
10	Agroforestry systems can be a effective solution against climatic hazards.	68 (17.0)	209 (52.25)	97 (24.25)	16 (4.0)	10 (2.5)	3.77	1.42	LP

Data presented in Table II showed that the respondents expressed their opinion on the statement, “Agroforestry systems, such as windbreaks and shelterbelts, act as natural barriers that decrease wind speed and minimize the destructive effects of strong winds on crops, livestock, and infrastructure”. A total of 29.5% of the respondents were undecided, followed by agreed (26.75%), strongly agreed (25.75%), disagreed (8.6%) and strongly (4.06) with the weighted average (3.91) it is proved that they have a high level of perception on agroforestry systems. The responders shared their thoughts on the statement, “Trees in agroforestry systems create microclimates that are more favorable for plant growth”. A total of 51.25% of the respondents were undecided, followed by strongly agreed (18.75%), agreed (13.5%), disagreed (10.75%) and strongly disagreed (5.5%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (3.29) with the weighted average (3.91) proves that they have a low level of perception of agroforestry systems.

They also provided feedback on the statement, “The trees in agroforestry systems serve as protective shields, preventing wind erosion and storm damage”. A total of 56.0% of the respondents strongly agreed, followed by agreed (31.75%), undecided (5.5%), disagreed (4.0%) and strongly disagreed (2.75%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (3.44) with the weighted average (3.91) proves that they have a low level of perception of agroforestry systems. They also voiced their thoughts on the statement, “The root systems of trees in agroforestry systems help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and preserving fertile topsoil”. A total of 28.5% of the respondents strongly agreed, followed by agreed (35.75%), undecided (21.25%), disagreed (12.0%), and strongly disagreed (2.5%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (3.75) with the weighted average (3.91). It is proved that they have a low level of perception on agroforestry practice.

They expressed their opinion on the statement, “Agroforestry systems that include salt-tolerant tree species create a buffer zone, reducing the impact of salinity on crops and providing a more suitable environment for cultivation”. A total of 44.75% of the respondents were undecided, followed by strongly agreed (25.75%), agreed (19.0%), disagreed (8.0%), and strongly disagreed (2.5%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (3.56) with the weighted average (3.91) proves that they have a low level of perception of agroforestry systems. Also, they believed “Agroforestry systems increase biodiversity by integrating multiple plant species”. In total, 50.75% of the respondents strongly agreed, followed by agreed (27.25%), disagreed (9.0%), undecided (7.75%) and disagreed (5.25%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (4.09) with the weighted average (3.91) proves that they have a high level of perception of agroforestry systems. The responders voiced their opinions on the statement, “Agroforestry systems can include both crops and tree products, diversifying income sources”. A total of 41.25% of the respondents agreed, followed by strongly agreed (27.5%), undecided (26.75%), undecided (7.75%) and disagreed (5.25%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (4.09) with the weighted average (3.91) proves that they have a high level of perception of agroforestry systems. They felt the same way, “Agroforestry provides a safety net during climatic disasters, as if one aspect of the system is affected, other components can still provide income and sustenance”. A total of 52.25% of the respondents strongly agreed, followed by agreed (41.25%), undecided (5.5%) and disagreed (1.0%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (4.45) with the weighted average (3.91), it is proved that they have a high level of perception on agroforestry practice. The responders shared their thoughts on the statement, “Agroforestry can be a community-based approach, encouraging local participation and ownership”. In total, 41.75% of the respondents were undecided, followed by agreed (27.25%), strongly agreed (23.5%), disagreed (5.25%) and strongly disagreed (2.25%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (3.75) with the weighted average (3.91) proves that they have a low level of perception of agroforestry systems. Furthermore, they expressed that “Agroforestry systems can be an effective solution against climatic hazards”. In total, 52.25% of the respondents agreed, followed by undecided (24.25%), strongly agreed (17.0%), disagreed (4.0%) and strongly disagreed (2.5%) with the statement. Comparing the mean data (3.77) with the weighted average (3.91) proves that they have a low level of perception of agroforestry systems.

From the above discussion, it can be said that most of the respondents had a low level of perception on different agroforestry systems. As they have a low level of knowledge on agroforestry systems, they could not utilize this system for their better economic growth. So the policymakers can educate farmers on the benefits of agroforestry through workshops, seminars, and training sessions, collaborate with agricultural extension services, non-governmental organizations, and local colleges to provide educational materials and hands-on training and give farmers individualized guidance and support to enable them to select the best tree species and planting methods.

Problems Related to Adapt Agroforestry Practice

Due to many environmental, social, and infrastructure considerations, implementing agroforestry practices in Bangladesh’s coastal regions might be difficult. Farmers were asked to identify problems related to adapting agroforestry practices in the coastal area of Bangladesh. The most significant ten problems were identified through problem diagnosis techniques. Table III represents the rank order of different problems related to adapting agroforestry practices in the coastal region of Bangladesh. From the data analysis, it was found that “Agroforestry adoption may be hampered by a lack of institutions and policies to support it” was the most significant problem identified by the farmers, with a score of chi-square value 41.6. In total 47% of respondents gave their high extent of opinion on that issue. The next crucial problem was “Lack of knowledge and awareness on agroforestry practice”, identified by the farmers with a chi-square value of 39.2. A total of 51.0% of the respondents expressed their strong opinions on such matters. The next significant problem was “Numerous tree species and agricultural species can be hampered by high soil salt levels in coastal locations” identified by the farmers with a chi-square value of 51.3.

Table III. Rank Order of the Problems Regarding Adaptation of Agroforestry Practice

SL	Problem statement	Extent of opinion n = 400			Total score	Chi-square value	Rank
		High (%)	Medium (%)	Low (%)
1.	Agroforestry adoption may be hampered by a lack of institutions and policies to support it.	188 (47%)	179 (44.75)	33 (8.35)	955	41.6*	1st
2.	Lack of knowledge and awareness on agroforestry practice.	167 (41.75)	204 (51.0)	29 (7.25)	938	39.2*	2nd
3.	Numerous tree species and agricultural species can be hampered by high soil salt levels in coastal locations.	180 (45.0)	172 (43.0)	48 (12.0)	932	51.3*	3rd
4.	Unpredictable weather patterns can make it challenging to choose suitable tree species and planting times.	207 (51.75)	108 (27.0)	84 (21.0)	921	67.1*	4th
5.	The implementation of agroforestry practices might be hampered by poverty and a lack of educational opportunities.	191 (47.75)	137 (34.25)	72 (18.0)	919	47.8*	5th
6.	Farmers may experience uncertainty due to problems with land tenure and property rights.	163 (40.75)	158 (39.5)	79 (19.75)	884	54.3*	6th
7.	Climate change makes coastal regions more vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, and sea level rise.	144 (36.0)	163 (40.75)	97 (24.25)	855	28.4*	7th
8.	Limited access to inputs and resources.	133 (33.25)	159 (39.75)	108 (27.0)	825	32.6*	8th
9.	Poor road networks and transportation facilities	132 (33.0)	126 (31.5)	136 (34.0)	784	28.5*	9th
10.	Coastal regions may have limited access to markets for agroforestry products.	113 (28.25)	121 (30.25)	166 (41.5)	807	31.6*	10th

In total, 45.0% of the respondents were very vocal about their opinions on the matter. The 4^th notable problem was “Unpredictable weather patterns can make it challenging to choose suitable tree species and planting times”, identified by the farmers with a chi-square value of 67.0. In total, 51.75% of respondents gave a great extent of opinion on that issue. The next consequential problem was “The implementation of agroforestry practices might be hampered by poverty and a lack of educational opportunities”, identified by the farmers with a chi-square value of 47.8. A total of 47.75% of respondents were very vocal about their opinions on the matter.

“Farmers may experience uncertainty due to problems with land tenure and property rights”, “Climate change makes coastal regions more vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, and sea level rise”, “Limited access to inputs and resources”, “Poor road networks and transportation facilities”, and “Coastal regions may have limited access to markets for agroforestry products” was ranked 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th and 10^th position with a chi-square value of 54.3, 28.4, 32.6, 28.5, and 31.6, respectively. A total of 40.75%, 36.0%, 33.25%, 33.0%, and 28.25% of respondents gave their high extent of opinion, respectively.

“Farmers may experience uncertainty due to problems with land tenure and property rights”, “Climate change makes coastal regions more vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, and sea level rise”, “Limited access to inputs and resources”, “Poor road networks and transportation facilities”, and “Coastal regions may have limited access to markets for agroforestry products” was ranked 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th and 10^th position with a chi-square value of 54.3, 28.4, 32.6, 28.5, and 31.6, respectively. A total of 40.75%, 36.0%, 33.25%, 33.0% and 28.25% of respondents gave their high extent of opinion, respectively.

Relationship between Adoption of Agroforestry and Selected Characteristics of the Respondents

To investigate the connections between the respondents’ chosen qualities and their adoption of agroforestry practices in the study area, the coefficient of correlation was determined. At the 1% level of probability, it was determined that the respondents’ knowledge of agroforestry, exposure to training, and farm size were positively and significantly correlated with their adoption of the practice (r = 0.437^**, 0.572^**, and 0.64^**, respectively). As a result, factors such as farm size, training experience, and knowledge of agroforestry may persuade respondents to implement agroforestry practices on their properties. It indicates that farmers who have a larger farm, good knowledge on agroforestry and training on agricultural practice are more willing to adopt agroforestry practice.

On the other hand, the age of the respondents had a negative and no significant relationship with the adoption of agroforestry practice (r = −0.074 NS). It indicates that old-aged farmers are not so interested in adopting agroforestry practices compared to young farmers. The coefficient of the correlation between education level and farming experience was found to be positive and not significant (r = 0.085 NS and 0.063 NS). It indicates education level and farming experience of the respondents may not influence the adoption of agroforestry practices. So, from Table IV, we can conclude that farmers need more training in agroforestry practice. Their knowledge level will be increased through training and other agricultural extension activities.

Table IV. Relationship between Selected Characteristics of the Respondents and Adoption of Agroforestry

Selected personal attributes	Co-efficient of correlation (r)
Age	-0.074NS
Educational Level	0.085NS
Farm size	0.437**
Farming experience	0.063NS
Training exposure	0.572**
Knowledge on agroforestry	0.641**

Conclusion and Recommendations

Agroforestry is a modern land use system where maximum benefit can be obtained from land. It ensures maximum utilization of natural resources and provides maximum economic and environmental benefits. The research revealed that agroforestry was not so popular among the respondents. Most of the respondents had a low level of knowledge on the agroforestry system. They do not know the importance of the agroforestry system for the coastal area of Bangladesh. In certain circumstances, the majority of research participants had poor perception levels, whereas in other cases, they had high perception levels. Firm size, knowledge level and training exposure of the respondents had positive and significant relationships with the adoption of agroforestry. Those factors can help agroforestry systems be adopted in the future. Furthermore, policymakers can educate farmers on the benefits of agroforestry through workshops, seminars, and training sessions, collaborating with agricultural extension services, non-governmental organizations, and local colleges to provide educational materials and hands-on training.

The following things can be executed to increase adoption of agroforestry systems in the study area:

• Establish agroforestry demonstration farms in the surrounding area so that farmers can come and witness the benefits for themselves.
• Encourage successful agroforestry practitioners to share their expertise and display their farms.
• The local champions can act as community ambassadors and mentors for others.
• Farmers who embrace agroforestry practices should be given financial incentives, such as subsidies or grants.
• Give farmers individualized guidance and support to enable them to select the best tree species and planting methods.
• Start public awareness campaigns using a variety of media platforms, such as radio, television, newspapers, and social media.
• Emphasize the potential for agroforestry to help farmers diversify their sources of income.
• Encourage community gatherings and talks to address issues and collect feedback.
• Promote laws and policies that support agroforestry, such as those that provide rewards for planting trees and encourage sustainable land usage.
• Encourage collaborations between government organizations, non-profits, academic institutions, and regional communities to boost the adoption of agroforestry.