This study addresses the socio-cultural dimensions of agroforestry systems in the Narsingdi District, Bangladesh
within a participatory research and development project. Using participatory rural appraisal methods in two
communities results reveal that a jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and Burmese grape (Baccaurea ramiflora)
agroforestry system has quickly emerged as the dominant land use. Within this context, certain socio-cultural
dimensions associated with farmers’ agroforestry practices are identified. These include: relationship with the
agricultural environment, traditional practices and knowledge, linkages with friends and families, cultural traditions
and specific gendered roles. Each of these dimensions involves a set of cultural norms, values and practices that help
maintain agroforestry; for example a local sharing system of planting materials, reliance on local germplasm and
dependence on available local resources. The study highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to such
cultural characteristics within the design of agroforestry research and extension.