Farming practices, diversity and utilizations of associated species of cocoa plantations in a forestsavannah transition zone, Center Côte d’Ivoire

ADOU YAO Constant Yves, KPANGU

Abstract

In Côte d’Ivoire, cocoa is grown in full sun such as in several tropical African countries conducting to biodiversity depletion. Facing this unsustainable situation, agroforestry systems in cocoa production can offer a promising alternative, for instance smallholders’ plantations where trees have long times been associated. In order to understand these systems for a sustainable production of cocoa, we conducted a study to analyse smallholders’ farming practices in an ecological transition zone. In an ethno-botanical and zoological approach, we surveyed some farmers selected randomly to address the issues such as: what are the preferred associated species and for what purposes are they planted; what are the cultivation practices? In some of the farms, we surveyed and assess tree and fauna species richness and diversity. Uses of plant and animal species have been analysed ethnobiologically and discussed. We used chi-square tests to compare the proportions. The study showed that 176 plant species that were associated to cocoa trees were used (auto-consumption or marketed) by the farmers for firewood, medicinal and food purposes; and 13 mammal species were encountered and hunted in the farms. By containing several plant and animal species with high conservation value, the traditional agroforests of the study area play a relative important role in biodiversity conservation. Before disseminating these good practices, one should analyse their economic performances.