International Journal of Forestry and Horticulture (IJFH) Volume 1, Issue 1, 2015, PP 5-11 www.arcjournals.org ©ARC Page 5 Agroforestry Contribution to the Improvement of Rural Community Livelihoods in Balaka, Malawi Edna Ndalama Department of Forestry Malawi College of Forestry and Wildlife Dedza, Malawi ndalamaeddie@yahoo.com Gift Kamanga-Thole Department of Forestry Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi kamangathole@yahoo.com Edward Missanjo Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences Faculty of Agriculture Kyushu University, Japan edward.em2@gmail.com Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the contribution of agroforestry on improvement of livelihoods of farmers in Balaka, Malawi with emphasis on (1) identifying the main forest products and services obtained from agroforestry trees, and (2) identifying the impact of agroforestry adoption on livelihoods of farmers. A total of 60 lead farmers from six villages; Joshua, Kapalamula, Malikula, Mpondabwino, Naliluwa and Sosola were used for the study. Data was collected using a standard structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. The results revealed that farmers identified the following as the main products obtained from agroforestry trees; fuelwood (48.3%), fruits (21.7%), medicine (15.0%) and fodder (15.0%). Fuelwood was ranked the most product obtained from the agroforestry trees indicating the reliance of farmers on the woody products as the main source of energy. The majority (68.3%) of the respondent indicated soil improvement as the main service obtained from agroforestry trees followed by water retention and conservation (20.0%), and then biodiversity conservation (11.7%). The major impact of agroforestry adoption to improvement of livelihoods of farmers identified were; increased income (51.7%), increased crop yield (33.3%) and improved health and nutrition (15.0%). Therefore, agroforestry is significant in improvement of rural community livelihoods. Hence, the present study recommends a strong need to intensify promotion of agroforestry and advocacy to policy makers. Keywords: Forest products, Soil improvement, Water retention, Increased income, Improved health. 1. INTRODUCTION Achieving environmental sustainability in Malawi is an urgent concern as 84% of the population depends on natural resource-based livelihoods. The conservation of soil, water, and forest resources is essential to food security. Without proper management of the natural resources that support economic production, the country will be unable to sustain recent high growth rates and the progress it has made in poverty alleviation [1]. Practicing Agroforestry is one way of conserving both soil, water and forest resources whilst improving livelihoods [2, 3]. Agroforestry is the integration of multipurpose trees and shrubs with crops and livestock [4]. Agroforestry systems are designed and implemented to counteract soil erosion, degradation, and improve soil quality and health. Trees planted with crops fix nitrogen and produce large amounts of biomass that improve soil fertility [5]. The repeated application of tree biomass to the soil increases soil organic matter that leads to important increases in soil water retention capacity providing good environment for soil microbes and plant nutrients during its decomposition [4]. Traditionally, farmers have developed a wide range of agroforestry and soil conservation strategies. The strategies include the deliberate preservation of selected valuable trees and shrubs in cropped fields, the use of tree or shrub biomass (leaves and twigs)as mulch on crusted or compacted soils to improve organic matter input and soil structure, use of terracing and other physical structures for soil conservation and introducing livestock in the farm after crop harvest to restore soil fertility. Trees on farms provide shade, helps to maintain soil moisture so that less water is lost and crops can be grown [6].