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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GLOBAL RESEARCH INNOVATIONS & TECHNOLOGY (IJGRIT) [ Vol. 4 | No. 2(II) | April - June, 2026 ]

Green Infrastructure: Evaluating the Effects of Agroforestry on Rural Development

Dr. Pinki

Incorporating ecological conservation into economic growth has become a key indicator of sustainable rural development, and green infrastructure is an effective solution. Agroforestry can be described as one of the components of various activities that can have some important contribution to agricultural productivity, rehabilitation of marginal lands, conservation of biodiversity and rural people's livelihoods. In this study, the effects of agroforestry on rural development are assessed, looking at the environmental, economic, and social benefits it can provide. The research is descriptive research and primary data is collected from agroforestry farmers and secondary data is obtained from government reports, research articles and policy documents. Responses were obtained by using a structured questionnaire and the data collected were analysed using simple percentage analysis and descriptive statistics. The results suggest that agroforestry is an important means for improving the livelihoods of households, including their income, employment, fertility, capacity to store carbon, water, and resilience to climate change. The study also finds agroforestry to be a way to promote food security and to build up ecosystem services and decrease the reliance on conventional monocropping systems. Several factors such as lack of technical knowledge, financial resources, land tenure problems and lack of policy implementation have, however, continued to limit its widespread adoption. The study highlights that agroforestry is a promising approach for green infrastructure, which is essential to achieve sustainable rural development while maintaining a balance between environmental sustainability and socio-economic development. It is suggested that use of agroforestry can be promoted through effective government policies, extension services, financial incentives and community integration. The study underscores the need for embedding GIT in rural development planning to realize environmentally sustainable, climate resilient and inclusive economic growth.

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