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Item Impact of performance-based incentives on tree growing practices among smallholder farmers in Zombo district, Uganda(Muni University, 2025-11-13) Apili, Stella MarisThis study examined the impact of Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs) on tree growing among smallholder farmers in Zombo District, Northern Uganda. The objectives were to assess farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices (KPP), evaluate tree growth performance across agroforestry practices, and identify socioeconomic factors influencing participation. Using a mixed-methods approach; surveys, interviews, field observations, and tree inventories, the results showed that 68% farmers had less than two years of tree-growing experience, with access to quality planting materials (79%) and land suitability (31%) as major determinants of participation. Farmers acquired new knowledge under PBIs, particularly in tree spacing (27%) and pruning (13%). Preferred species were Pinus caribeae (25%), Khaya senegalensis (23%), Gmelina arborea (21%), and Melia volkensii (17%), with Gmelina arborea showing the highest survival rate (93%) compared to Khaya senegalensis (48%). Growth performance differed by agroforestry practices, intercropping performed best, followed by boundary planting and woodlots while a strong correlation existed between RCD and height (ρ = 0.828). Regression analysis showed that about 65% of height growth was explained by RCD (R² = 0.649, p < 0.001) improving to R² = 0.7078 (p < 0.001) when tree species and agroforestry practices were included, indicating that 29.2% growth variation was due to soils and environmental factors. Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) enhanced biodiversity by conserving native species such as Combretum collinum and Ficus natalensis. Socioeconomic drivers included access to land (34%), road infrastructure (20%), planting materials (14%), and financial resources (12%). While weeding and pruning were widely adopted, weak practices were observed in fire protection, nursery management, and record keeping due to literacy limitations. The findings demonstrate that PBIs enhance farmer behavior, technical skills, and biodiversity conservation. The study recommends sustained PBIs support, improved extension services, promotion of locally adapted species, community-based tree nurseries, multi-year tree performance monitoring, and further research on carbon sequestration and biomass.