A case for consumer-driven extension programming: Agroforestry adoption potential in Pennsylvania

Strong, N. , Jacobson, M.G. A case for consumer-driven extension programming: Agroforestry adoption potential in Pennsylvania Agroforestry Systems Volume 68, Issue 1, September 2006, Pages 43-52

Abstract - In an effort to assess agroforestry adoption potential among a diverse Pennsylvania landowner population, a mail survey instrument was sent to 250 members of the Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) and 250 members of Woodland Owner Associations (WOA). Current management objectives and production strategies, agroforestry awareness, agroforestry interest, and perceptions regarding the benefits and obstacles to agroforestry adoption were gauged. Market segmentation was performed with a two-step cluster analysis to produce four agroforestry adoption potential models: Timber-Related Practices, Livestock-Related Practices, Specialty Crop-Related Practices, and Non-Adopters. The analyses showed that agroforestry practices could indeed satisfy specific land management objectives within diverse populations. The key to outreach success and adoption will be to engage these landowner groups according to their unique interests and values, and to demonstrate the potential agroforestry has to enhance existing objectives.