Bridging Ecology, Economy, and Sustainability: The Role of Agroforestry in Strengthening Rural Livelihoods in Semi-Arid Regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Sustainable rural development requires approaches that integrate ecological preservation with economic resilience. Agroforestry an ecologically based farming system combining trees with crops offers a promising pathway to achieve sustainability in smallholder communities. This study aimed to evaluate the role of agroforestry systems in improving the socio-economic and environmental conditions of rural communities in Tehsil Paharpur, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was administered to 50 randomly selected respondents to collect primary data on household income, resource utilization, species diversity, and livelihood outcomes. Results revealed that agroforestry practices contributed to a 28% increase in household income, improved access to food, fodder, timber, and fuelwood, and enhanced species diversity by 35% compared to conventional agriculture. Farmers also reported greater livelihood stability and environmental awareness. However, challenges such as limited market access, bureaucratic hurdles, and inadequate extension services constrained the full potential of these systems. It is recommended that local governments and development agencies promote sustainable agroforestry models through policy support, training programs, and market linkages to strengthen both ecological sustainability and rural livelihoods.