Exploring the Role of Agroforestry in Building Resilient Livelihoods: A Case Study from Parwan Province of Afghanistan

• Agroforestry is widely practiced in Parwan Province and supports household income, fuelwood security, and flood mitigation. • Farmers preferentially plant fast-growing and deep-rooted tree species to reduce flood damage and stabilize agricultural land. • Agroforestry adoption is constrained by water scarcity, limited access to quality seedlings, weak markets, and insufficient technical support. • Local institutions and traditional knowledge play a central role in sustaining agroforestry under prolonged political and institutional instability . Agroforestry represents a promising strategy for restoring ecosystem functions and strengthening community resilience in Afghanistan. This study examined farmers’ perceptions, practices, and challenges related to agroforestry adoption in Parwan Province, an irrigated agricultural region increasingly affected by flooding, land degradation, and water scarcity. A structured questionnaire was administered to 146 respondents across seven districts to collect data on socio-economic characteristics, agroforestry practices, perceived benefits, and barriers to adoption. The majority of respondents engaged in tree farming, primarily for income generation, household use, and flood control. Willow, poplar, and mulberry were the most commonly cultivated species due to their soil-stabilizing capacity and resilience against floods, whereas fruit trees such as apricot, apple, and grapes were preferred for income and household consumption. Farmers reported multiple economic and ecological benefits, including increased land value, reduced dependence on external fuelwood sources, and enhanced protection from flooding. However, widespread adoption was constrained by persistent challenges such as water scarcity, limited access to improved seedlings, weak market infrastructure, and insufficient technical expertise. Against a backdrop of minimal government involvement for several decades, traditional institutions such as Shuras and Community Development Councils played an important role in facilitating local agroforestry initiatives and supporting farmer collaboration. Overall, the findings highlight agroforestry’s potential as a nature-based solution to address Afghanistan’s intertwined environmental and socio-economic challenges. Scaling up agroforestry in Parwan will require context-specific interventions emphasizing efficient water management, market development, and capacity building. Strengthening institutional coordination and community-based extension systems will be crucial to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rural livelihoods amid increasing climatic pressures and may serve as a model for regions similarly characterized by chronic instability.