Abstract:
Scattered trees play a crucial role in enhancing soil conservation by preventing erosion and
enriching nutrients. This contributes to improved moisture retention, favorable microclimates,
and increased crop productivity. plant species possession, determinants of adoption, and its
effect on crop productivity in Fogera district was not studied in Fogera district. The objectives of
this study were to assess farmers plant species possession of scattered trees on farmlands, to
identify determinants of farmers' adoption of scattered trees on farms, and to evaluate the effect
of scattered trees on farmland’s crop productivity Both primary and secondary data were
collected to achieve these objectives. Primary data were collected from 188 randomly selected
smallholder farmers. Questionnaire based interview, focus group discussion and key informant
interview were the methods of data collection. Descriptive, inferential and econometric analysis
tools were used to analyse the data. The finding of this study indicated that croton
macrostachiyus, Acacia abbyssinica, Strychnos spinosa, Ficus molle, and Carissa spinarum
were the major scattered trees planted on farmers field in Fogera district. Furthermore, the
probit model result indicated that sex, education level, experience of farmers on scatter tree
planting, household size and on farm income has a significance influence on scattered trees
adoption. The t test result indicated that croton macrostachiyus has significant effect on maize
and tef productivity at 1% significance level; Acacia Abbyssinica has significant importance on
finger millet and tef productivity at 5%, and 10% significance levels, respectively. It is
recommended that the government should promote diverse tree species such as Cordia Africana
and Strychnos Spinosa. It is essential to provide targeted education for farmers on tree-crop
interactions, particularly regarding species like Croton macrostachyus. Additionally, research
should focus on investigating the biological interactions that impact yields of crops like maize
and tef. Finally, addressing socio-economic barriers with financial incentives will encourage
farmers to adopt sustainable agroforestry practices.
Key words: Acacia trees, crop productivity, farmland, Fogera, scattered trees
