Exploring the potential for silvopasture adoption in south-central Florida: an application of SWOT–AHP method

Abstract

We analyzed the prospects and challenges for silvopasture adoption in south-central Florida using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats approach in combination with analytic hierarchy process. We used preference data from opinion leaders who have had extensive knowledge about silvopasture practices in south-central Florida. Results reveal that strengths and opportunities for silvopasture adoption outweigh its weaknesses and threats. The participants perceive that land stewardship and diversification of income as major strengths of silvopasture and environmental benefits and government support for silvopasture practices as important opportunities. While long-term investment requirement and poor-quality soils are identified as weaknesses for the adoption of silvopasture, government regulation relating to land-use practices is considered as a critical threat. These results provide important insights for policy developments relating to silvopasture practices.