Assessing the adoption potential of agroforestry practices in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This paper reviews the application of various types of on-farm trials and methods for collecting and analysing data needed to assess the adoption potential of agroforestry practices. The review is based on farmers' and researchers' experiences in seven case studies in three countries of sub-Saharan Africa assessing the biophysical performance, profitability and acceptability of agroforestry practices. Assessments of adoption potential are key elements of a participatory, farmer-centered model of research and development. They improve the efficiency of the technology development and dissemination process, help document the progress made in disseminating new practices, demonstrate the impact of investing in technology development, provide farmer feedback for improving research and extension programmes, and help to identify the policy and other factors contributing to successful technology development programmes as well as the constraints limiting the achievements. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.