AGROFORESTRY ADOPTION IN ILLINOIS: Influence of Place Attachment and Development of an Agroforestry Suitability Tool
Research Advisor: Dr. Chloe Wardroopper
Zoom link: https://go.nres.illinois.edu/RamirezDefense
The Midwest has seen an increase in climate-smart agriculture practices that aim to combat environmental degradation from conventional agriculture. One of these practices is agroforestry, the intentional integration of woody perennials into agriculture, which has the potential to improve soil health, sequester carbon, and increase biodiversity. Adoption of agroforestry varies due to technical, financial, and structural challenges; thus, research is needed to better understand—and assist—farm operators deciding to adopt this intensive practice. I conducted semi-structured interviews (n=36) with agricultural stakeholders across Illinois. I find retired individuals and young operators are adopting agroforestry because of their place attachment to their farm. These operators are adopting agroforestry because it contributes to their quality-of-life goals for their families, community, and farms biodiversity. Additionally, I present the development process of the Agroforestry Suitability Tool, an online geospatial decision-support system that aims to assist program administrators targeting suitable areas for agroforestry adoption across the Midwest.
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