Bridging Tradition and Modernity: Socio-Climatic Determinants and Farmers’ Perceptions of Agroforestry Adoption in the Hilly Regions of Himachal Pradesh

The study investigates the interactions among social, economic, and climatic factors, farmers' decision-making and perceptions regarding the adoption of agroforestry in the Himalayan region, one of the most ecologically delicate and climate-susceptible mountain ecosystems in the world. The study is based upon the primary data collected from the 680 households of Mandi and the Kullu districts of the Indian western Himalayan state Himachal Pradesh through the Multistage random sample technique. A structured interview schedule comprising the socio-economic characteristics, climatic perceptions, and practices related to agroforestry was used in the collection of primary data. The factors that affected the adoption were analysed using descriptive statistics and a logit regression model. The findings of the study show that agroforestry in the study area is still largely traditional and subsistence-oriented, but not market- and science-oriented. Further, marital status, occupation, family size, family type, and perceived social challenge significantly influence agroforestry adaptation. Apart from that, climatic variability and perception of the risk are also critical to determine households' behaviours; more households that often experience floods, hailstorms, and heatwaves tend to adopt tree-based systems as protective and adaptive strategies. At last study highlights the importance of region-specific policies of agroforestry that would incorporate scientific creativity, local experiences and institutional backing. Development of district level agro forestry resource centres, enhancement of capacity-building initiatives, enhancement of financial incentives, and inclusion of agroforestry into climate adaptation and rural livelihood missions are the key elements in improving resiliency and sustainable mountain development.