Agroforestry-based community forestry as a large-scale strategy to reforest agricultural encroachment areas in Myanmar: ambition vs. local reality

Abstract Key message The Forest Department strongly influences agroforestry design, tree species selection, and the participation motivation of farmers to plant trees. Farmers perceive trees as harmful crops have avoided planting them near crops. We recommend considering farmers’ preferences, establishing field schools, increasing their awareness about benefits improve adoption rates systems. Context high rate deforestation in Myanmar is mainly due agricultural expansion. One task increase cover encroachment areas by large-scale agroforestry-based community forests (ACFs). Aim objectives this study were analyze performance ACFs Bago-Yoma Region, Myanmar; provide recommendations enhance farmers. Methods inventoried 42 sample plots surveyed 291 Survey responses analyzed binary logistic regression, one-way ANOVA, non-parametric correlation tests evaluate factors influencing ACFs. Stand characteristics calculated from inventory data Results Our results show that farmer was lower than stated registry Department. practiced four different designs with outcomes. determined designs, perception Farmland size, unclear, insufficient information on ACFs, a negative raising crop fields major limiting Conclusion capacity building for staff farmland. A stronger consideration preferences design selection could adopt long-term sustainability