THREE DECADES OF AGROFORESTRY AND ITS SOCIOECONOMICS: A REVIEW OF FIFTY ARTICLES

The purpose of this study was to take a fresh look at the nature of available literature, methods used and findings of researches done in socio-economics of agroforestry. Based on a mixed approach the study reviews a number of books, research articles and findings of case studies done earlier. Finally fifty research articles published during 1989 to 2016 were selected for the review purpose. Results show that many researchers and scientists reported a number of socio-economic factors like land holding, land size, gender, marketing aspects, level of education, age of farmers, policy and programmes as some of the factors that influence a farmer's decision on agroforestry practice. Although the results reviewed and presented are based on specific literature, they can be applied in later studies because they are derived through correct and thorough qualitative approach. A big gap is reported in full adoption of all recommended agroforestry practices. It is concluded and suggested that studies on relationship of socio-economic factor and agroforestry practices types as individual and as a whole are required to analyze their influence on adoption and promotion of agro forestry.