Support for the adoption of climate change mitigation measures in low-income regions
depends on how such activities contribute to generating household income and gaining
confidence from the local community. The planning of mitigation measures or pro-environmental
activities need to consider the cost of deployment, customization of
activities according to local conditions, and socio-cultural background and perceptions
of people. This paper analyses the incentive-induced “agroforestry” or “planting trees in
farmland” as part of the Carbon Neutral Programme supported by the Government of
Kerala in Meenangadi Grama Panchayath, Wayanad district. An increase in tree cover is
proposed as a strategy for increasing carbon sequestration. Planting more trees in
farmland (except grain cultivated areas) along with crops, according to farmers, may
reduce crop yield and discourage farmers’ participation. The Government of Kerala put
forward the concept of a tree banking/tree incentive program to attract farmers to expand
tree cover. A survey was conducted among 100 individuals from the Meenangadi Grama
Panchayath to assess the perceptions and concerns of farmers about the proposed
“Agroforestry”/Tree Banking program. The sample size was chosen from the population
assuming a 9.98% error tolerance. Tree Banking Programme designed to encourage
farmers to plant trees has gained public interest, and the study also documented the
factors influencing the willingness of farmers for planting trees. The study revealed that the majority of the individuals (93% of the survey participants) residing in the region are interested in supporting the activities for climate change mitigation. Financial incentives announced under tree banking generated interest among farmers. 89% of the survey participants consider the incentive scheme to be an attractive option, as it can compensate for the short-term loss in crop productivity. However, farmers were very selective in choosing the tree species to be planted on their farms. Incentivization helps to make sure that a large proportion of the planted saplings will grow into mature trees. Overall, it can be concluded that afforestation in the form of agroforestry could be potentially attractive to the farmers and contribute towards achieving carbon neutrality for tropical agricultural areas.