Socio-Economic Importance of Certain Development Indicators Linked to Farmers in Cocoa-Based Agroforestry Systems in the Central Region of Cameroon — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Socio-Economic Importance of Certain Development Indicators Linked to Farmers in Cocoa-Based Agroforestry Systems in the Central Region of Cameroon
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Department of forestry Engineering, Higher Teacher Training College and Technical Education, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
,
Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
,
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
1 Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
2 Department of forestry Engineering, Higher Teacher Training College and Technical Education, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
3 Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
4 Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
Agroforestry Systems (AFS) in Cameroon have considerable socio-economic potential and their composition is essentially determined by the type of producers and their strategies. This study was conducted in the cocoa AFS of the localities of Yambassa and Talba in the Central Region of Cameroon. The characterization and socio-economic development indicators related to farmers were done using semi-structured survey forms sent to producers. Sampling was done in the 25 m × 25 m (625 m 2 ) quadrats of the cocoa AFS to determine their floristic composition and in addition to cocoa trees, all trees with a diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 5 cm were inventoried. A total of 180 cocoa farmers were surveyed and 122 quadrats were carried out in the study area. For producers of Traditional, SODECAO and Innovative cocoa AFS, the money from cocoa sales contributes a priori to nutrition at 47%, 32% and 32% respectively. A total of 8734 individuals belonging to 44 species and 24 families were collected in the cocoa AFS of the study area. No significant difference was found (ANOVA, p = 0.053) between the number of cocoa trees per hectare by type of cocoa AFS. The density of woody plants/ha is higher in Traditional and SODECAO AFS (respectively 84 ± 51.8 and 77 ± 36.0 individuals/ha) than in Innovative AFS (21 ± 20.8 individuals/ha). The species present in cocoa plantations produce goods and services to producers and the environment such as traditional medicine ( Voacanga africana, Anthocleista schweinfurthii ), timber and crafts ( Podocarpus milanjianus, Milicia excelsa, Triplochyton scleroxylon , Ceiba pentandra Terminalia superba ) and fruit trees such as Persea americana , Citrus sp. and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) such as Cola accuminata . For sustainable agroforestry systems, it would be essential to combine agroecological performance and sustainability of cocoa AFS.
Annon (2000) Etudes socio-économiques régionales au Cameroun. Province du Centre. Yaoundé, Cameroun, Ministère de la planification et de l’Administration du territoire, Projet Pnud-Ops Cmr/98/005/01/99, 152 p.
Sulaiman, I. and Boachie-Danquah, B. (2017) Investing in Ghana’s Cocoa Processing Industry: An attractive Investment Option. Goodman AMC Blog.
Suh, N.N. and Molua, E.L. (2022) Cocoa Production under Climate Variability and Farm Management Challenges: Some Farmers’ Perspective. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research , 8, Article ID: 100282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2022.100282
Diané Lucien, A., Styvince Romaric, D.K.N. and Mel, T. (2023) Migrations agricoles, dynamique de dégradation du couvert forestier et émergence de systèmes agro-forestiers à base de cacaoyer dans la Sous-préfecture de Bléniméouin (Ouest-ivoirien). International Journal of Scientific Research and Management , 11, 411-425. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsrm/v11i09.ah03
Flore, N.A., Cédric, C.D., Roger, K.B.L.P., Félicité, T.L., Louise, A.M., Martin, T.N., et al . (2023) Plant Biodiversity and Structure of Robusta Coffee ( Coffea canephora var . robusta ) Agroforests in Cameroon. Open Journal of Forestry , 13, 225-241. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojf.2023.132014
Jagoret, P., Todem, N.H., Bouambi, E., Battini, L.J. and Nyassé, H. (2009) Diversification of Cocoa-Based Farms in Central Cameroon: Myth or Reality? Biotechnology Agronomy Society and Environment , 13, 271-280.
Deheuvels, O. (2011) Trade-Offs between Productivity and Biodiversity on a Management Intensity Gradient of Agroforestry Systems Based on Cocoa Trees in Talamanca, Costa Rica. PhD, SupAgro de Montpellier, 185 p.
Morgan, J.A., Follett, R.F., Allen, L.H., Del Grosso, S., Derner, J.D., Dijkstra, F., et al . (2010) Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Lands of the United States. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation , 65, 6-13. https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.65.1.6a
Madountsap, T.N., Zapfack, L., Chimi, D.C., Kabelong, B.L.P., Tsopmejio, T.I., Tajeukem, Forbi, P.F.V.C., Ntonmen, Y.A.F. and Nasang, J.M. (2018) Carbon Storage Potential of Cocoa Agroforestry Systems of Different Age and Management Intensity. Climate and Development , 11, 543-554.
Zapfack, L., Chimi, D.C., Noiha, N.V., Zekeng, J.C., Meyanya, D.G.R. and Tabue, M.R.B. (2016) Correlation between Associated Trees, Cocoa Trees and Carbon Stocks Potential in Cocoa Agroforests of Southern Cameroon. Sustainability in Environment , 1, 71-84. https://doi.org/10.22158/se.v1n2p71
Madountsap, T.N., Zapfack, L., Noiha, N.V., Chimi, D.C., Kabelong, B.L.P., Tsopmejio, T.I., et al . (2017) Biodiversity and Carbon Stock in the SODECAO Agroforestry System of Center Region of Cameroon: Case of Talba Locality. American Jour nal of Agriculture and Forestry , 5, 121-129. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20170504.16
Wilson, M. and Lovell, S. (2016) Agroforestry—The Next Step in Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture. Sustainability , 8, Article No. 574. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8060574
Dykstra, D., Korewo, G., Ofosu-Asiedu, A. and Kio, P. (1997). Promoting Forest Management in the Tropical Rainforest Zone of English-Speaking West and Central Africa. CIFOR/UNEP, 125 p.
Jagoret, P., Michel-Dounias, I., Snoeck, D., Ngnogué, H.T. and Malézieux, E. (2012) Afforestation of Savannah with Cocoa Agroforestry Systems: A Small-Farmer Innovation in Central Cameroon. Agroforestry Systems , 86, 493-504. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-012-9513-9
Gockowski, J. and Sonwa, D. (2010) Cocoa Intensification Scenarios and Their Predicted Impact on CO 2 Emissions, Biodiversity Conservation, and Rural Livelihoods in the Guinea Rain Forest of West Africa. Environmental Management , 48, 307-321. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-010-9602-3
Jiofack, T., Guedje, N.M, Tchoundjeu, Z., Fokunang, C., Lejoly, J. and Kemeuze, V. (2013) Agroforestry Typology of Some Cocoa Based Agroforests in the Mbam and Inoubou Division: The Importance for Local Population Livelihoods. Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment , 5, 378-386. https://doi.org/10.5897/jene12.085
Sonwa, D.J., Weise, S.F., Nkongmeneck, B.A., Tchatat, M. and Janssens, M.J.J. (2016) Structure and Composition of Cocoa Agroforests in the Humid Forest Zone of Southern Cameroon. Agroforestry Systems , 91, 451-470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-016-9942-y
Dawoe, E., Asante, W., Acheampong, E. and Bosu, P. (2016) Shade Tree Diversity and Aboveground Carbon Stocks in Theobroma Cacao Agroforestry Systems: Implications for REDD+ Implementation in a West African Cacao Landscape. Carbon Balance and Management , 11, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13021-016-0061-x
Dawoe, E., Asante, W., Acheampong, E. and Bosu, P. (2016) Shade Tree Diversity and Aboveground Carbon Stocks in Theobroma Cacao Agroforestry Systems: Implications for REDD+ Implementation in a West African Cacao Landscape. Carbon Balance and Management , 11, Article No. 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13021-016-0061-x
Somarriba, E., Cerda, R., Orozco, L., Cifuentes, M., Dávila, H., Espin, T., et al . (2013) Carbon Stocks and Cocoa Yields in Agroforestry Systems of Central America. Agriculture , Ecosystems & Environment , 173, 46-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2013.04.013
Ngono, F., Mala, AW, Levang, P. and Ambang, Z. (2015). Evolution of Cocoa Agroforestry Systems and Environmental Impact in Mbangassina: Case of Talba Village. Scientific and Technical Review of Forestry and Environment of the Congo Basin , 5, 62-67.
Ndoumbenkeng, M. (2004) Impact of Removing Diseased Pods on Cocoa Black Pod Caused by Phytophthora Megakarya and on Cocoa Production in Cameroon. Crop Protection , 23, 415-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0261-2194(03)00237-0
Djakou, R.T., Thanon, S.Y., Beausoleil, R., Gournay, B. and Lalande, G. (1986) What Is the Role of Living Beings in the Soil in Ecology Geology Intertropical Africa 2nd A, C 1st C, D Editions. BORDAS, 167 p.
Elong, J.G. (2004) Éton and Manguissa, from Lékié to Mbam-et-Kim: Land Games and Issues (Central Cameroon). Les Cahiers d ’ Outre - Mer , 226-227, 1-15.
Pédelahore, P. (2014) Farmers Accumulation Strategies and Agroforestry Systems Intensification: The Example of Cocoa in the Central Region of Cameroon over the 1910-2010 Period. Agroforestry Systems , 88, 1157-1166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-014-9675-8
Beaud, S. and Weber, F. (2003) Guide to Field Research. Ed. La Découverte, 357 p.
Wilhelm, M. (2014) Snowball Sampling. The Respondent-Driven Sampling Method. Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Brown, S. and Pearson, T. (2005) Exploring the Potential for Carbon Sequestration in the Classified Forests of the Republic of Guinea. Winrock International, 39 p.
Sonwa, D.J., Nkongmeneck, B.A., Weise, S.F., Tchatat, M., Adesina, A.A. and Janssens, M.J.J. (2007) Diversity of Plants in Cocoa Agroforests in the Humid Forest Zone of Southern Cameroon. Biodiversity and Conservation , 16, 2385-2400. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-007-9187-1
Bakemhe, M. (2014) Evaluation of Food Crop Yields and Their Contribution to Household Agricultural Income in Talba in Central Cameroon. Summary Report/CIRAD, 48 p.
Mossu, G. (1990) The Cocoa Tree. The Tropical Agriculture Technician. Volume 14, Editions Maisonneuve and Larose, 160 p.
Lachenaud, P. and Oliver, G. (1998) Influence of Thinning on Cocoa Yields. Plantation Research Development , 5, 34-40.
N’goran, K. (2003) Reflection on a Sustainable Cocoa Production System: The Situation in the Ivory Coast. Africa Paper from Workshop Held in Panama. Smithsonian Institution, 34 p.
Adou, Y.C.Y. and N’Guessan, E.K. (2006) Spontaneous Floristic Diversity of Coffee and Cocoa Plantations in the Monogaga Classified Forest, Ivory Coast. Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Forstwessen , 157, 31-36.
Adou, Y.Y., Kouassi, B., Kpangui, B.T.A.V. and Djakalia, O. (2016) Cultivation Practices, Use Values and Farmers’ Perception of Cocoa Companion Species in Traditional Agroforests in Central Côte d’Ivoire. Revue d ’ ethnoécologie , 9, 2419-2474.