Moderating effect of biodiversity conservation on the relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity of smallholder farmers in Mt. Elgon, Kenya
Date
2025
Authors
Loyatum, A.
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Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Agroforestry, practiced on over 1 billion hectares globally, represents 28% of agricultural land area and offers potential solutions to smallholder farmers’ challenges, including soil degradation, low productivity and climate variability. Despite its extensive adoption, there is limited statistical evidence quantifying the impact of agroforestry practices and biodiversity conservation on farm productivity. This study sought to address this gap by examining the relationship between agroforestry practices, biodiversity conservation and productivity in Mt. Elgon Sub-County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to analyze the effects of agroforestry types, implementation scale and utilization of extension services on productivity. Additionally, it evaluated how biodiversity conservation moderated the relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity. The research was underpinned by three theories: the Theory of Agroforestry Systems, which explains the ecological and economic synergies of integrated farming systems; the Resource Dependence Theory, emphasizing farmers’ reliance on external and natural resources; and the Theory of Planned Behavior, which accounts for farmers’ attitudes and intentions in adopting agroforestry. A pragmatist research philosophy guided the study, focusing on actionable insights for addressing real-world challenges. A concurrent triangulation research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure robust findings. The study targeted smallholder farmers practicing agroforestry in Mt. Elgon Sub-County, Kenya, estimated at 16,283 households. A sample size of 384 farmers was determined using Fisher’s formula, with participants selected through stratified random sampling across geographical zones and purposive sampling for key informants to ensure comprehensive representation of agroforestry practices. Data was collected through questionnaires and key informant interviews from a stratified random sample of smallholder farmers in Mt. Elgon Sub-County. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 27, employing descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data underwent content analysis. The findings revealed that the type of agroforestry system significantly influenced farm productivity, with more diverse systems showing greater benefits. Expanding the scale of agroforestry implementation had the strongest positive impact on productivity, demonstrating the advantages of wider adoption. Access to extension services contributed moderately to productivity gains, particularly when combined with other factors. Most notably, biodiversity conservation played a crucial moderating role, enhancing the positive relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity, especially when implemented at larger scales and supported by extension services. The research recommended that farmers should be supported with targeted interventions to enhance the scale and effectiveness of agroforestry implementation. This study contributes to policy frameworks and extension programs, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity management in the region.
Keywords: Agroforestry Practices, Biodiversity Conservation, Smallholder Productivity, Sustainable Agriculture, Mt. Elgon Kenya.
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Citation
Loyatum, A. (2025). Moderating effect of biodiversity conservation on the relationship between agroforestry practices and productivity of smallholder farmers in Mt. Elgon, Kenya [Strathmore University]. http://hdl.handle.net/11071/15997