Abstract

The agricultural sector in Jigawa State faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, environmental degradation, and widespread poverty, which hinder sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study employed utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and analysis of results to collect and analyze data. The target population consisted of practicing farmers in Dutse Local Government, with a sample size of 100 farmers selected from five communities. Data analysis employed descriptive and simple statistics, including frequencies, mean, and percentage, to analyze the data. The study reveals that 100% of the respondents are married males, with 36% being civil servants and 28% arable crop farmers. The primary drivers of agroforestry practices are income generation (40%), poverty alleviation (24%), and employment opportunities (22%). The benefits of agroforestry include income generation (40%), poverty alleviation (24%), and employment opportunities (22%). Findings shows that farmers generate substantial income from agroforestry, with 40% earning ₦500,000-₦600,000 and 25% earning ₦700,000 and above annually. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing financial access, infrastructure development, and security enhancements to support agricultural growth. This study examines agroforestry practices among farmers, revealing economic motivations, benefits, and challenges, and highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support agricultural growth, farmer resilience, and sustainable development.

Keywords:Agroforestry practices; Dutse; Socio demographic; Sustainable development, Rural farmers