The Economic and Social Value of Floodplain Agroforestry to Rural Development

Abstract

This study presents the initial findings of two research activities conducted to understand the role of stakeholders with potential influence in decisions to adopt agroforestry practices. This includes land owners, farmers, farm operators, extension agents and agencies involved with agriculture, and processors. Information from these qualitative interviews (Raedeke, et al.) was followed by a formal survey, to elicit information on the social, economic and production characteristics of farmers in the Fox-Wyaconda Watershed and Scott County, and their knowledge and attitudes towards agroforestry practices. It should be noted that 1998 was a difficult year, as prices for major crops dropped, as well as the yields (Missouri Farm Facts 1999).