Kanhaiya SapkotaTimsina, Tirtha Raj2026-05-212026-05-212024https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14540/26798This study investigates the contribution of agro fo restry in promoting sustainable livelihoods in Bethanchwok Rural Municipality, Kavrepalanchok District, Nepal. This research is based on the pragmatist philosophical view point that utilize a convergent mixed-method approach, data were collected from household surveys, key informant interviews, and field observations which are supported by secondary sources such as scholarly publications, governmental and municipal records. Considering entire municipality as a study universe, a total of 356 sample were selected employing stratified sampling technique to cover the different areas of the selected study area whereas 14 key informants were purposively selected covering the commercial farm producers, agribusiness, local representative and intensive farmers. The research identifies agro forestry as a transformative practice that shifts from subsistence-based to commercially oriented systems, enhancing food security, income diversification, and environmental conservation. Key findings highlight the diverse benefits of agro vforestry, including its contribution to soil conservation, biodiversity, and resilience to climate-induced challenges. However, challenges such as inadequate policies, limited market access, and insufficient local governance were identified as significant barriers to its full potential. The study employs the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to analyze agro forestry's impacts on various livelihood assets, including natural, social, financial, and human capital. Integration of forestry and agriculture jointly fosters diversified income opportunities, enhances productivity, and mitigates environmental risks through agro forestry. This research recommends policy reforms to address market and governance gaps, capacity-building initiatives for local farmers, and investment in infrastructure to facilitate commercial agro forestry. The research concludes that agro forestry is indispensable for sustainable rural development in Nepal, aligning with broader goals of environmental sustainability and economic resilience. It emphasizes the importance of participatory approaches, aligning local practices with scientific innovations to maximize agro forestry's potential. Key Words: Agro forestry, sustainable livelihoods, Bethanchwok, income diversification, food security, climate resilience.en-USFood securitySustainable livelihoodsThesis