Agroforestry systems (AFSs) have emerged as an alternative to the slash and burn agriculture practiced in the Amazon region. This study therefore aims to analyze the influence of the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers on the adoption of agroforestry systems. The study was carried out in Braganca (01 o 03 ‘15’’S and 46 o 46’ 10 “W), in the Brazilian State of Para. Data was collected by way of structured interviews and direct observation, both of which are Rapid Rural Evaluation tools. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear correlation. Fifty-three smallholders with AFSs were identified in 19 rural communities. The socioeconomic characteristics identified in this study, such as the origin of the farmers, social organization, age, level of education, land tenure, and lotand AFS-size, as well as labor force and income generation, influenced the adoption of commercial agroforestry systems in Braganca. The family is the most common source of labor in family production units. The man carries out the main productive activities related to commercial AFSs, and is responsible for the adoption of these systems. The AFSs, in general, are important for the economy of small farmers in Braganca. However, public policies are needed for these systems to become socioeconomically sustainable, including: expanding the areas of commercial AFSs; ensuring efficient technical assistance is provided for farmers; adapting the products to the consumer market, enabling farmers to manage agroforestry systems, increasing the income generated by these systems; and finally empowering the farmers to establish funding projects. ARTIGO doi:10.4322/rca.2011.036 Rosa et al. / Rev. Ci. Agra., v.54, n.1, p.35-43, Jan/Abr 2011