Browsing by Author "Leonard,Kenneth Lynch"

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Assessing climate‑smart agroforestry practices: A study of tree species composition, distribution, and utilities in two contrasting agroecosystems of Rwanda
(Springer, 2024) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Leonard,Kenneth Lynch
Tree adoption on farms has expanded around the world in the last years due to food security concerns and is expected to further spread due to climate change. Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF), a smart farming approach, is one of these farming patterns. In this study, we (a) analyzed the distribution and composition of trees in CSAF systems, (b) assessed tree diversity in CSAF systems, (c) analyzed CSAF best management practices, and (d) evaluated CSAF-derived utilities in two contrasting agroecological zones of Rwanda. In particular, species composition, diversity, richness, evenness, and similarity were estimated across land use types. Utility data were recorded as fulfilled goals from different practices. Home gardens, alley cropping, improved fallow, multipurpose trees, plantation crop combination, shelterbelts/windbreaks, and silvopasture are the predominant CSAF practices in Bugesera and Rulindo with different structures and compositions. Results highlighted that tree species diversity, richness, dominance, and importance decrease from Rulindo to Bugesera (H′ = 1.397–1.247), ( Dmg = 0.621–0.368), (D = 0.192–0.117), (IVI = 58.42–58.02). Moreover, farmers seemed to give more weight to utilities from goods meant for household survival such as fruits (home consumption), fuelwood (culinary), fodder (cattle-housed for zero-grazing), and standing trees (stakes for climbing crops). Logs, and poles/timber meant for commercial purposes were given the least weight. Introducing and upscaling fruit tree species on farms can be one of the best alternatives to improve local climate-resilient landscapes and livelihoods. The outcomes of this study can support the targeting of agricultural interventions and innovations in resource-poor settings struggling with food security challenges.
Contextual drivers of climate-smart agroforestry adoption in Bugesera and Rulindo agroecosystems of Rwanda
(Elsevier, 2025) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Leonard,Kenneth Lynch
This study examined 381 farmers from two regions in Rwanda to investigate how contextual factors at the field level interact with climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) practices. Farmers were categorized as low (LAD), medium (MAD), and high (HAD) adopters based on tree counts. Various contextual factors — notably location, demographics, assets, farm characteristics, and institutional variables — were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, logit regression, and propensity score matching. Farmers in Bugesera had larger farms and higher tree counts than those in Rulindo, resulting in greater farm income in Bugesera. Positive correlations were found among altitude, slope, erosion class, gender, household size, poverty level, income source, marital status, education, farm area, cropping practices, farm-river distance, changes in CSAF cover, population dynamics, and LAD. CSAF farms outperformed monoculture farms regarding cassava, maize, and bean yields, particularly in Bugesera and Rulindo among larger landholdings. Logit regression analysis showed that combinations of multipurpose trees and crop planting significantly improved farm yields, with household size and farm size being critical factors for CSAF adoption. Propensity score matching confirmed the positive effects of CSAF practices on farm yield and income, contributing to enhanced rural well-being. These findings underscore the crucial role of CSAF in promoting well-being. The results encourage stakeholders to develop strategies for CSAF. While these findings are specific to local contexts, they may hold potential relevance at regional and global levels. This of charcoal to the City of Kigali, rendering it treeless and semi- arid. Concerted efforts are needed to develop irrigation schemes and subsidize tree seedlings for farmers to contend with drought and increase and sustain production in this region, known as food insecure.
Impacts of climate-smart agroforestry practices on income and food security in two Rwandan agroecosystems
(Elservier, 2025) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Leonard,Kenneth Lynch
Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) practices offer a sustainable way to improve soil health, increase farm productivity, enhance biodiversity, and boost farmers’ well-being in low-income countries. This study assessed the effects of CSAF on income and food security among 381 farmer households in two contrasting Rwandan agroecosystems. Data were collected through farm-level interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariate latent variable regression. Results revealed that CSAF practices increased crop yield, improved food security, and diversified income sources. Livestock contributed the highest income, while tree products contributed the least. Smallholder farms (<1 ha) reported the highest profits, averaging Rwf 68,975,000 (US$ 52,175.46). Food security was higher in Bugesera (46.7 %) than in Rulindo (42.5 %). Among CSAF practices, shelterbelts and multipurpose trees significantly influenced income and profit, while silvopasture enhanced food security. Despite these findings, latent variables – factors related to farmers’ attitudes towards adopting CSAF practices – have a small impact (if any) on well-being outcomes. This is important information for policymakers, as it signals the extension education needed for the farmers’ understanding of the influence of CSAF adoption on improved household wellbeing. Moreover, these results suggest that CSAF practices can lead to increased income, enhanced food security, and greater resilience to climate change. This information can inform policies and guide agricultural researchers in developing and promoting more effective interventions, ultimately leading to wider adoption of CSAF.