Potentials for implementing agroforestry into farming systems in Southwestern Bohemia

Ondřej Kabátek

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Agroforestry is one of the most typical farming practices in tropical countries and less developed regions. Tree-based systems provide multiple benefits. They are used to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, they contribute to environmental stability, and their social and economic benefits have also been documented. Recently, there has been an ongoing debate on how these systems can be promoted in temperate climates such as Europe. Therefore, this thesis aimed to understand the potential benefits and challenges associated with the integration of agroforestry into farming systems in Southwestern Bohemia and also investigated the current use of agroforestry systems based on a survey of key farmers who are already familiar with the agroforestry practices. The results of the questionnaire survey were used to quantify and understand the social, environmental, and economic benefits and barriers associated with the adoption of agroforestry on farms in Bohemia. At the same time, the thesis focused on evaluating the benefits and costs of agroforestry systems. The theory section of the thesis outlined contemporary agroforestry in the Czech Republic and Europe, then analysed barriers and perspectives. The analytical section investigated responses to the research objective via field research by individual interviews and key farmer questionnaires. The results were presented through a weighted SWOT analysis and cost-benefit analysis. The research showed that farmers in Southwestern Bohemia are familiar with sustainable agricultural practices, and they also expressed a willingness to implement agroforestry systems on their land. The social, environmental, and economic results of the SWOT analysis showed a positive trend for all attributes. The main strengths were identified as the reduction of erosion and the use of sustainable practices. Insufficient legislative support was identified as a weakness. Farmers identified the main opportunities as increasing the diversity of the landscape, the availability of subsidies, and the prospect of water retention in the soil. The principal potential threat was identified as climate change, which is affecting soil conditions, landscape water, and rainfall. Farmers stated that further education and soil protection from erosion are necessary for social and environmental benefits. The costs of implementing agroforestry systems for the model project were expressed as initiation and operating costs. The cost-benefit analysis showed that the proposed project was financially viable.

Keywords

key farmers, SWOT analysis, agroforestry system, cost-benefit analysis, questionnaires

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 18. 4. 2025

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 29. 5. 2025
• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Vladimír Verner, Ph.D.
• Reader: Bohdan Lojka, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
Tropical Agriculture