Comparative analysis of socioeconomic determinants of pineapple‐based agroforestry adoption in Moulvibazar and Tangail, Bangladesh

Abstract Agroforestry enhances livelihoods, conserves biodiversity, and mitigates climate change but faces adoption challenges. This study uniquely addresses a gap in existing research by specifically analyzing the socioeconomic determinants of agroforestry adoption among pineapple farmers in Bangladesh's Moulvibazar and Tangail districts—a context where such crop‐focused adoption studies are scarce. A survey of 300 respondents was conducted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, capturing demographic, economic, and institutional variables. Principal component analysis (PCA), decision tree analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed due to their ability to reduce data dimensionality, identify interaction patterns, and test complex relationships among latent variables, respectively—analytical strengths that conventional regression lacks in capturing multidimensional adoption drivers. The results revealed significant regional differences: Tangail exhibited higher land ownership (9.36 ha on average), annual income (6001.89 USD), and institutional support, while Moulvibazar showed greater awareness (97.22%) and training participation (89.18%). Land size, education, and extension services were identified as significant factors influencing adoption rates, with smallholders in Tangail achieving 90% adoption when supported by training and institutional services. The PCA identified total land and training as primary contributors, while SEM highlighted education (−0.46), total land (0.55), and training (0.25) as key determinants. Despite higher incomes, Tangail's greater income inequality (Gini 0.5974 vs. 0.2926) highlights the need for inclusive benefit‐sharing mechanisms. Barriers such as lack of capital, limited market access, and inadequate institutional support were prevalent in both regions. Policy recommendations should prioritize financial incentives, accessible credit schemes, strengthened market linkages, and farmer‐centered training to enhance equitable and sustainable agroforestry adoption.