Synergies and impact of agroforestry practices on dependent community in Khost Province, Afghanistan

This study examines the ecological and economic benefits of agroforestry systems and their impact on communities in Khost Province, Afghanistan. Through a mixed-mode cross-sectional research approach and stratified sampling method, data were gathered using a self-administered survey sent to key stakeholders, including local farmers, traders, livestock owners, and supporting staff, whose primary earnings rely on agroforestry from five selected districts. All the data were analysed using SPSS. For the qualitative study, visual documentation in the form of pictures and videos was compiled to offer supplementary context and evidence of agroforestry practices and societal dynamics and was transcribed into the narrative findings. Fruits (F (2, 260) = 3.61, p < 0.05) and Berries (F (2, 260) = 3.56, p < 0.05) were significantly related to basic and advanced satisfaction with the level of facilities and infrastructure. Herbs (F (1, 274) = 3.27, p < 0.01), mushrooms (F (1, 274) = 3.15, p < 0.01), wild animal (F (1, 274) = 3.13, p < 0.01), oils: (F (1, 274) = 3.25, p < 0.01); wood (F (1, 274) = 5.05, p < 0.001), honey (F (1, 274) = 3.81, p < 0.001) were significantly related to knowledge about land use change and impacts. Mushrooms (F (2, 260) = 4.60, p < 0.05), berries (F (2, 260) = 15.13, p < 0.001), wild animal (F (2, 260) = 4.22, p < 0.05) were significantly related to natural and artificial factors of land use change. Pine nuts (F (2, 260) = 6.24, p < 0.01) berries (F (2, 260) = 14.55, p < 0.001), wild animal (F (2, 260) = 3.84, p < 0.05), berries (F (2, 260) = 4.23, p < 0.05) were significantly related to impact of land use change. Irrigated wheat (F (2, 260) = 3.26; p < 0.05), barley (F (2, 260) = 4.45, p < 0.05, corn (F (2, 260) = 6.13, p < 0.01), and millet (F (2, 260) = 3.52, p < 0.015) were significantly related to natural and artificial factors of land use change. Loquat was significantly related to positive and negative impacts of land use change (F (2, 260) = 3.06, p < 0.05). Licorice (F (2, 260) = 4.86, p < 0.01) and Asafetida (F (2, 260) = 4.72, p < 0.01) were significantly related to factors of land use change. Welfare organizations were significantly related to factors of land use change (F (2, 260) = 4.31, p < 0.05). The narrative analysis highlights impact across various dimensions, including income stability, community cohesion, environmental sustainability, resource utilization, and income source diversification. Factors affecting agroforestry acceptance include land ownership, credit accessibility, market connections, and institutional backing. Challenges for agroforestrydependent societies include land degradation, limited access to technologies, and insufficient policy support. The study recommends strengthening agroforestry-centered livelihoods through improved extension services, knowledge dissemination, community skill-building, and supportive policies. This research can inform policymakers and local stakeholders to empower societies and maintain the region's ecological integrity.

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