Comparative Financial Analysis of Agroforestry Land Uses

The primary objectives of the study was to assess the financial values of cropland agroforestry (CAF), homestead agroforestry (HAF) and annual cropping (AC) system at four upazilas/sub-districts (Bagha, Charghat, Puthia and Tanore) of Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. A face-to-face interview of 150 smallholder agroforestry (AF) farmers was carried out in the study area. The results indicated that AF practices are financially profitable and viable. Puthia upazila stood the top position regarding the BCR (2.89), NPV (Tk. 392106) and IRR (11.20%) for AC system among the four upazilas. Banana (BCR=3.85) was the most financially profitable annual crop species. The BCR, NPV and IRR of CAF were 10.23, Tk. 1663671 and 16.65% respectively. Bagha was the most financially attractive place for the CAF. Mango was recorded the most planted species which was also (37%) the most financially benefited tree species in HAF. The profitability criterion of HAF was better than the other two systems. The overall average BCR, NPV and IRR of HAF were 12.89, Tk. 880305 and 36.16% respectively. CAF and HAF land use systems were getting popularity day by day at the study area.