Agroforestry systems in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India: a gender perspective

Abstract

This study investigates gender-specific roles in agroforestry across 700 randomly selected households in 14 blocks of Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, from February 2024 to March 2025. Cultural and traditional biases often marginalize gender considerations in the agroforestry management. This study revealed that men favour Tectona grandis and Eucalyptus spp., while women prefer Mangifera indica and Eucalyptus spp. Males play a dominant role in agroforestry system. They enjoy the highest access to resources and have decision-making rights. Males view ten hindrances in adoption of agroforestry, the highest being limited availability of products and suggest five recommendations, the highest being training on production of value-added products to increase the adoption of agroforestry systems. The interventions suggested by the farmers have the potential to boost tree productivity and farmer’s income, emphasizing the need for inclusive strategies to reinforce agroforestry systems in the region. This study revealed that male dominance in society still overshadows the needs and role of women in agroforestry. A societal change in mindset and strong policy intervention is the only hope for women empowerment.