Conservation Status and Ecosystem Services Provided by Plant Species Associated with Cocoa-Based Agroforestry Systems in the Department of Biankouma (Central-Western Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Cocoa farming in Côte d’Ivoire remains largely extensive and often relies on deforestation. Indeed, this practice has had devastating consequences on the country’s forest cover, leading to biodiversity loss and reduced ecosystem services. To remedy this problem, agroforestry remains a promising solution for environmental conservation. The overall objective of this study is to assess the contribution of cocoa-based agroforestry systems to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of populations in the department of Biankouma. To achieve this, floristic inventory methods combined with surveys were carried out in 35 plantations divided into seven age classes in order to determine the typology of agroforestry systems and to identify the conservation status of woody species present in agroforestry systems as well as ecosystem provisioning services. The analyses identified three types of cocoa-based agroforestry systems. These are a simple agroforestry system with mature cocoa trees practiced mainly by non-indigenous people, a complex agroforestry system with aging cocoa trees practiced mainly by indigenous people (83.3%), and a simple agroforestry system with young cocoa trees practiced mainly by non-indigenous people (52.6%). In addition, these agroforestry systems are home to many endangered species and endemic species. Beyond their role in species preservation, agroforestry systems provide supply services to populations in several areas, the most prominent of which are medicine and food. In short, cocoa-based agroforestry systems represent a promising alternative for combining agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation in Côte d’Ivoire.