Deconstructing the Enablers and Barriers of Fruit Tree-Based Agroforestry among Smallholder Farmers’ Households: Empirical Evidence from The Central Highland Ecoregion, Kenya

Food production systems globally, especially among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, are facing many challenges that could best be addressed through resilient and sustainable solutions such as fruit tree-based agroforestry systems. However, despite its importance, fruit tree-based agroforestry is characterised by low adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa, whereas 50% of all fruits consumed by humans are mainly derived from trees, especially cultivated fruit trees. This is also the case in the Central Highland Ecoregion, especially in Nyandarua County, where adoption of fruit tree-based agroforestry is very low. Moreover, the factors influencing the adoption of fruit tree-based agroforestry is influenced which are poorly understood, since fruit tree-based agroforestry systems have not been well studied globally. This study, therefore, aimed at understanding the factors that enable and constrain the adoption of fruit tree-based agroforestry among smallholder farmers’ households. The study used a descriptive study design and a multistage sampling design. Data analysis was done using descriptive analysis and a binary Probit regression model. The study found that several factors had a significant influence on the adoption of fruit tree-based agroforestry, including age, input access, market access, and credit access. There is thus a need to leverage these factors to enhance the adoption of fruit tree-based agroforestry. The study will help in the development of effective policies, strategies, and programs aimed at promoting the adoption of fruit tree-based agroforestry, especially among smallholder farmers.