The Zamboanga Peninsula region significantly contributes to the Philippine coconut production, wherein abaca is also cultivated as an additional crop within coconut plantations. Still, coconut farmers belong to the country’s poverty sector. Abaca plays a significant role in providing an alternative source of income as a perennial intercrop in agroforestry systems like coconut. However, the productivity and sustainability of this farming system are affected by practices such as nutrient management, which is not explicitly known. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study applies a combination of quantitative and qualitative data-gathering techniques to assess the nutrient management practices adopted by the 33 qualified respondents, including challenges encountered and perceptions to abaca under the coconut farming system and fertilizer use. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29, and thematic analysis was utilized for qualitative data. Results indicate that most (88%) of the farmers in the area did not apply fertilizers for their abaca. Yet, they still consider abaca as one of the income-generating crops besides coconut. The lack of financial resources and irregular harvesting operations are significant challenges that hinder fertilizer application. Findings revealed the need to develop low-cost and practical nutrient management technology for abaca under coconut, which shall be complemented with an effective human resource management system of skilled harvesters for the continuous harvesting operation of abaca to translate good crop growth into good yield and income. This will serve as a basis for government institutions and other stakeholders in developing and implementing programs and policies to improve the abaca and coconut industries.

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach that transforms the agri-food system and mitigates climate change. They connect the use of farming techniques in order to increase food productivity, Climate resilient practice, and decrease greenhouse gases. The main aim of this review is to demonstrate the typical interrelationship between climate and agriculture and get knowledge regarding this. In addition, focus on traditional agriculture along with its mitigating measures for climate agriculture. They approach collective development practices through the efforts of individuals in order to manage agriculture and the food system under climate change. Therefore, there is an increasing need for a strategic plan to balance agriculture and the food system.

The protected areas of Rwanda are facing various challenges resulting from the anthropogenic activities of the surrounding communities, especially in the adjacent area to Cyamudongo isolated rain forest, which results in soil degradation. Therefore, this study aims to broaden current knowledge on the impact of sustainable Agroforestry (AF) on soil-selected chemical and physical properties. To understand this, the permanent sample plots (PSPs) were established mainly in the designed four transects of four km long originating on the boundary of the Cyamudongo isolated rain forest following the slope gradient ranging from 1286 to 2015 m asl. A total number of 73 PSPs were established in the Cyamudongo study area. The Arc Map GIS 10.4 was used to design and map the sampling areas while GPS was used for localization of plots centers. Statistical significance was analyzed through R-software. The recorded soil pH means value across in Cyamudongo study area is 4.2, which is strongly acidic. The tests revealed that the soil pH, C, N, C: N ratio, OM, NH4+, NO3-+NO2-, PO43-, and CEC were significantly different in various soil depths. The pH, N, C: N ratio, CEC, NH4+, PO43-, and Al3+ showed a significant difference across land uses whereas the C and NO3-+NO2- did not show any statistical difference. All tested chemical elements showed a statistical difference as far as altitude ranges are concerned. The only NH4+, PO43-, and CEC showed significant differences with time whereas all other remaining chemical elements did not show any statistical significance. The soil pH was very strongly correlated with CEC, Mg, and Ca in cropland (CL) whereas it was strongly correlated in both AF and natural forest (NF) except for Mg, which was moderately correlated in AF. Furthermore, its correlation with K was strong in CL, and moderate in AF while it was weak in NF. Finally, the pH correlation with Na was weak in both AF and CL whereas it was negligible in NF.

This study was conducted in the Tolon district of Ghana to determine small-scale farmers' perceptions, motivation and problems faced by them in the adoption of agroforestry practices. Primary data were collected through a pre-structured questionnaire from a sample of 200 respondents who were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Data analysis was done by using the percentage and total weighted score (TWS) method. Most of the farmers in the study area have a positive perception of the adoption of agroforestry practices. Crop diversification, high returns and risk minimisation were the major motivational factor, whereas small landholding size, lack of awareness and poor knowledge, poor market accessibility, lack of subsidy, credit facility, lack of good quality planting material and longer period for tree growth were the major problems faced by the farmers in the study area. Thus, the study suggested that farmers can be encouraged to practice agroforestry through improved agroforestry extension services, cooperative groups and distribution of quality planting material to farmers.

The Zamboanga Peninsula region significantly contributes to the Philippine coconut production, wherein abaca is also cultivated as an additional crop within coconut plantations. Still, coconut farmers belong to the country’s poverty sector. Abaca plays a significant role in providing an alternative source of income as a perennial intercrop in agroforestry systems like coconut. However, the productivity and sustainability of this farming system are affected by practices such as nutrient management, which is not explicitly known. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study applies a combination of quantitative and qualitative data-gathering techniques to assess the nutrient management practices adopted by the 33 qualified respondents, including challenges encountered and perceptions to abaca under the coconut farming system and fertilizer use. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29, and thematic analysis was utilized for qualitative data. Results indicate that most (88%) of the farmers in the area did not apply fertilizers for their abaca. Yet, they still consider abaca as one of the income-generating crops besides coconut. The lack of financial resources and irregular harvesting operations are significant challenges that hinder fertilizer application. Findings revealed the need to develop low-cost and practical nutrient management technology for abaca under coconut, which shall be complemented with an effective human resource management system of skilled harvesters for the continuous harvesting operation of abaca to translate good crop growth into good yield and income. This will serve as a basis for government institutions and other stakeholders in developing and implementing programs and policies to improve the abaca and coconut industries.

Agroforestry is a conventional method of land use that could help to address agricultural environmental issues. In order to take advantage of the ensuing ecological and economic interactions, agroforestry is the technique of consciously integrating woody vegetation (trees or shrubs) with crop and/or animal systems. According to recent studies, the global agri-food industry may reach more sustainable methods of producing food and fiber by adopting agroforestry techniques and principles more widely. This would benefit farmers economically and would benefit society as a whole in terms of the environment. Agroforestry promotes eco-intensification based on resource efficiency and offers a wide range of provisioning, regulating, cultural, supporting ecosystem services, and environmental advantages. In this review, we discussed agroforestry with its advantages and developments.

Agroforestry is a conventional method of land use that could help to address agricultural environmental issues. In order to take advantage of the ensuing ecological and economic interactions, agroforestry is the technique of consciously integrating woody vegetation (trees or shrubs) with crop and/or animal systems. According to recent studies, the global agri-food industry may reach more sustainable methods of producing food and fiber by adopting agroforestry techniques and principles more widely. This would benefit farmers economically and would benefit society as a whole in terms of the environment. Agroforestry promotes eco-intensification based on resource efficiency and offers a wide range of provisioning, regulating, cultural, supporting ecosystem services, and environmental advantages. In this review, we discussed agroforestry with its advantages and developments.

The protected areas of Rwanda are facing various challenges resulting from the anthropogenic activities of the surrounding communities, especially in the adjacent area to Cyamudongo isolated rain forest, which results in soil degradation. Therefore, this study aims to broaden current knowledge on the impact of sustainable Agroforestry (AF) on soil-selected chemical and physical properties. To understand this, the permanent sample plots (PSPs) were established mainly in the designed four transects of four km long originating on the boundary of the Cyamudongo isolated rain forest following the slope gradient ranging from 1286 to 2015 m asl. A total number of 73 PSPs were established in the Cyamudongo study area. The Arc Map GIS 10.4 was used to design and map the sampling areas while GPS was used for localization of plots centers. Statistical significance was analyzed through R-software. The recorded soil pH means value across in Cyamudongo study area is 4.2, which is strongly acidic. The tests revealed that the soil pH, C, N, C: N ratio, OM, NH4+, NO3-+NO2-, PO43-, and CEC were significantly different in various soil depths. The pH, N, C: N ratio, CEC, NH4+, PO43-, and Al3+ showed a significant difference across land uses whereas the C and NO3-+NO2- did not show any statistical difference. All tested chemical elements showed a statistical difference as far as altitude ranges are concerned. The only NH4+, PO43-, and CEC showed significant differences with time whereas all other remaining chemical elements did not show any statistical significance. The soil pH was very strongly correlated with CEC, Mg, and Ca in cropland (CL) whereas it was strongly correlated in both AF and natural forest (NF) except for Mg, which was moderately correlated in AF. Furthermore, its correlation with K was strong in CL, and moderate in AF while it was weak in NF. Finally, the pH correlation with Na was weak in both AF and CL whereas it was negligible in NF.