Program design for agroforestry extension in the south-eastern USA

Abstract

Before prioritising regional agroforestry training and extension content, it is necessary to discover which practices are common, what benefits are perceived, which barriers prevent use, and how people feel about practices. Agroforestry taps both agriculture and forestry agencies to increase the possible set of educators for landowners and managers. Interdisciplinary activities also present barriers to professionals unfamiliar with some topics or not served by lead partner agencies. To understand motives, barriers and needs involved in agroforestry extension and training activities for professionals, the Center for Subtropical Agroforestry (CSTAF) designed a survey to gauge knowledge, practice and information needs of professionals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Landowners in Alabama and Florida received similar survey questionnaires. Initial interviews of a test group with open-ended questions formed the basis for a closed-ended mail survey to all agriculture and natural resource extension agents and county foresters in the subtropical area. Response rates for various professional groups varied between 14% and 43%, and most ranked the potential for use of agroforestry as moderate or high. In all three states, wildlife habitat, water quality and soil conservation were the most important benefits seen by extension professionals. The most important concerns identified were lack of familiarity, lack of demonstrations, no financial incentive, and lack of information about agroforestry. These data provide insights about how to prioritise research and materials development and indicate that agroforestry training can be expected to be of value to at least half of the regional forestry and extension professionals.