Determinants of Willingness to Adopt Alley Cropping among Smallholder Farmers in Maryland, USA

Smallholder farmers face increasing challenges from climate variability, highlighting the need for sustainable farming practices that improve agricultural resilience. Climate-resilient alley cropping (CRAC), which combines trees (fruit/nuts) with annual or seasonal crops, offers potential environmental and economic benefits. However, limited studies have examined willingness to adopt CRAC in Maryland, particularly the role of extension demonstrations in encouraging its adoption. This study examined factors associated with farmers’ willingness to share and apply knowledge gained from CRAC field-day demonstrations in Maryland, USA. Data were collected through a voluntary, self-administered survey of 93 participants attending field days at on-farm and community demonstration sites in Somerset, Wicomico, Caroline, and Baltimore counties. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data, with 54 complete responses included in the regression analysis. The results showed that participants who were highly satisfied with the field day had significantly greater odds of expressing the highest level of willingness to share knowledge (OR = 16.13, p < 0.01) and apply the knowledge gained (OR = 6.87, p < 0.05). Demographic information was not a statistically significant predictor in either adjusted model. Although the small, event-based sample and reliance on self-reported intentions limit the generalizability of the findings, the results also suggest that participant satisfaction is an important consideration in extension-based learning. Likewise, agricultural extension programs should emphasize practical demonstrations, relevant educational content, and continued technical assistance.