Participatory Analysis of Agroforestry Systems: Bridging Ecosystem Services and Farmer Resilience in Drylands

This study explores the potential of agroforestry systems (AFS) to enhance ecosystem services and build farmer resilience in the drought-prone semi-arid region of Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Using participatory methods, data were collected from 8 villages to evaluate the adoption, benefits, and challenges associated with AFS practices such as agri-horticulture, alley cropping, and agrosilviculture. A total of 66 household respondents were surveyed across sites, and soil samples were analyzed for pH (6.9–7.4), electrical conductivity (EC: 119-711 µS/cm), soil organic carbon (SOC: 0.54-1.42%), and bulk density (BD: 1.6-1.753 g/cm³). SOC was observed to be highest in Rajapur, Khanpur, and Belahara, while lower BD values in long-established agri-horticultural and agro-silvicultural plots indicated improved soil structure. Neutral soil pH was maintained across sites, and higher EC values in certain villages reflected nutrient enrichment. These quantitative findings affirm that AFS contribute to enhanced carbon sequestration, soil stability, biodiversity, and microclimate regulation, thereby supporting ecological resilience and sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable dryland agroecosystems. Despite challenges related to water scarcity and financial constraints, the study underscores agroforestry as a sustainable land-use practice, and our findings provide a framework for incorporating agroforestry into agricultural policies to promote resilience in vulnerable landscapes.