<p>Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a low-cost, farmer-led land restoration technique that promotes the regrowth and management of indigenous tree species from existing rootstocks or seeds. As a Nature-Based Solution (NbS), FMNR enhances soil fertility, improves crop productivity, supports biodiversity, and strengthens climate resilience, particularly in semi-arid, smallholder farming systems. This study investigates how different types of farm power (manual labor, animal traction, chemical inputs, and mechanization) influence the adoption and long-term sustainability of FMNR in Ghana’s Upper West Region. Using a qualitative research design and guided by the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework, data were collected through in-depth interviews and farm-level observations with 30 long-term FMNR practitioners across three districts. The findings show that while manual and animal-powered systems facilitate selective tree management, they are labor-intensive and shaped by gendered divisions of work. In contrast, chemical and mechanical approaches reduce labor demands but pose threats to regenerating trees when misapplied. Farmers proposed several adaptive strategies, including FMNR-compatible mechanization (e.g., two-wheel tractors), targeted herbicide use, collective labor-sharing, and community-managed grazing zones. The study concludes that the success of FMNR as an NbS depends on aligning farm power systems with ecological goals, labor dynamics, and gender realities. Policy support, extension services, and incentives are essential to scaling FMNR as a sustainable pathway for restoring degraded lands while safeguarding livelihoods.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>