Cocoa-based Agroforestry Systems Research Articles

Women's preferences for associated species in cocoa-based agroforestry systems and their uses in the Kokumbo Sub-Prefecture (Côte d'Ivoire)

Due to their multiple uses, species associated with cocoa trees have an important socio-economic and environmental value for women in Central Côte d'Ivoire. Based on surveys followed by an inventory carried out in six villages of the Sous-Préfecture of Kokumbo, this study assesses women's preference for cocoa companion species using the pebble distribution method, in order to quantify the value accorded by the latter according to their various uses. A total of 79 plant species were identified, divided into 67 genera and 31 families. These species associated with cocoa trees have an explicit value for women, as they meet the vital needs of farming households, such as self-consumption (43.32%), sale (35.21%), shade (7.53%), timber and firewood (7.15%). Using the pebble distribution method, we have highlighted the most important species associated with cocoa trees for women. For self-consumption, we have Dioscorea spp with 29.47% and Musa paradisiaca (18%). They attribute a high commercial value to Musa paradisiaca (25%) and Persea americana (21%). They also prefer species that provide good shade for cocoa trees, such as Ceiba pentandra (19.74%) and Milicia excelsa (11.30%). Those that provide good firewood and energy, such as Milicia excelsa (28%) and Albizia zygia (19%). Domestication of the tree and shrub species most appreciated by farmers could stimulate their regeneration. The marketing of products from cocoa agroforests could enable women to acquire financial autonomy in order to improve the living conditions of their households in general and those of their children in particular.

Evaluating Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity in Cocoa Agroforestry Systems: A Case Study from the Man Region, Côte d'Ivoire

Aims: Cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the Man region of Côte d'Ivoire are essential for balancing agricultural productivity and environmental preservation. This study assessed these systems regarding plant biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. Study Design and Methodology: The research was carried out in 21 cocoa plantations, aged between 14 and 32 years, across 60 botanical inventory plots, each measuring 10 by 20 meters. Tree heights and diameters were recorded to estimate Above Ground Biomass (AGB) using the equation AGB = 0.0673 × (ρD²H)0.976, where D is diameter, H is height, and ρ is specific density. Below Ground Biomass (BGB) was calculated as BGB=AGB×0.24, while total biomass (BT) was obtained as BT=AGB+BGB. Carbon stock (C) was derived using C=BT×0.5. Statistical analysis was applied to compare mean carbon stocks across different plantation ages. Results: The plantations, ranging from 8 to 32 years old, showed a diversity of companion species. The diversity of companion species in cocoa agrosystems varies from 4 in 8–10-year-old plantations to 12 in 14- and 15-year-old plantations. Carbon sequestration was age-dependent: younger plantations (5-10 years) sequestered 19.77 ± 2.32 tonnes per hectare, plantations aged 10-15 years stored 133.70 ± 253.50 tonnes, while middle-aged plots (15-20 years) reached 398.76 ± 861.51 tonnes. The oldest plantations (30-35 years) sequestered 137.94 ± 280.31 tonnes. Effective plantation management increased both carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of species diversity and continuous management in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Optimized agroecological practices enhance biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, providing practical insights for stakeholders involved in agricultural sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. Cocoa agroforestry aligns economic and environmental objectives, offering a sustainable agricultural model.

Microclimatic variations in cocoa-based agroforestry systems affect citrus Phytophthora foot rot disease intensity

Microclimatic variations in cocoa-based agroforestry systems affect citrus Phytophthora foot rot disease intensity

Assessment of the Effect of Garcinia kola (Clusiaceae) on the Carbon Sequestration Capacity and Productivity of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) in Cocoa-Based Agroforestry Systems

Aims: Ivorian cocoa production reaching 2 million ton annually at the expense of the forest reserve, and an annual deforestation rate around 2.78%. The integration of agroforestry into cocoa plantations appears to be a suitable approach to combating deforestation of the remaining forest reserves and restoring the degraded cocoa landscape. The choice of species is the key to the success of this program. Our objective was to evaluate the interaction between Garcinia kola and cocoa in traditional agroforestry systems. Study Design: Around each Garcinia Kola tree identified in the orchard, two curves lines with radii of 10 and 20 m respectively were delimited in order to assess the interaction of Garcinia Kola on the cocoa tree according to their proximity to Garcinia Kola. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Gueyo and Buyo in cocoa-based agroforestry systems in western Côte d'Ivoire. from June 2020 to November 2021. Methodology: The influence of Garcinia Kola on cocoa trees was assessed by measuring the biomass and carbon sequestration rate of Garcinia kola and cocoa trees. The productivity of cocoa trees and Garcinia kola was also determined. Results: Our results showed that Garcinia kola trees have an influence on the density and yield of cocoa trees. Cocoa trees close to Garcinia Kola trees within a 10 m radius showed low density and low pod production compared to those within a 20 m radius. Meanwhile, cocoa biomass and carbon sequestration levels were higher in the 10 m radius than the 20 m radius. This study has shown that associated cocoa and Garcinia kola stands make different contributions depending on their proximity. Conclusion: This complementarity in terms of carbon sequestration capacity and productivity between Garcinia Kola and cocoa is an asset that can be exploited for Cocoa agroforestry system to improve the sustainable production system and restore the cocoa landscape.

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)

Expansion of cultivation camps, dynamics of degradation of forest cover and emergence of cocoa-based agro-forestry systems in the Sub-prefecture of Bléniméouin (Western Côte d'Ivoire) The Sub-prefecture of Bléniméouin is part of the western forest region of Côte d'Ivoire, home to the new pioneer fronts of the country for the past two decades. Due to its natural potential (maintenance of a few scraps of primary forest, hot and humid climate, etc.) and its very dynamic plantation economy, this territory is experiencing strong land pressure which results in agricultural migrations and the expansion of cultivation camps. Alongside the dwindling of land reserves, new agroforestry practices have been emerging since the end of the 2010-2020 decade. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the agrarian and landscape changes induced by the expansion of cultivation camps in the said Sub-prefecture. To achieve this objective, a multi-date analysis based on the exploitation of Landsat images (TM 1980, ETM+ 2000 and Oli/Tirs 2021) coupled with S.I.G was adopted and supplemented by field observations. The results reveal significant regressive forest cover dynamics. From 1980 to 2021, the area of ​​primary forest has increased from 6499 ha or 29% of the space to 1360 ha or 6%. The area lost by the forest has been converted mainly into areas of perennial crops (60%), food crops (37%) and bare soils (3%). Faced with land saturation, rural people are developing new agro-forestry techniques combining cashew, cocoa and rubber orchards in order to create more ecological conditions beneficial to all kinds of crops (food crops and perennials).

The Impact of traditional cocoa-based agroforestry systems on chemical soil fertility in southwest of Côte d'Ivoire

The sustainability of cocoa farming is a major concern for Côte d'Ivoire. Extensive and "full sun" cropping systems need to be reviewed. Against this backdrop, a study was carried out in the south-west of the country (Soubré and Méagui), a major production zone, with the aim of assessing the impact of traditional agroforestry systems on soil fertility. Twenty-seven cocoa farms in the three sectors were visited. To assess the impact of cocoa-based agroforestry systems on soil chemical parameters, four criteria guided the choice of plots. These were mid-slope plots, 25 to 35 years old, unfertilized and denser in associated trees. Soil samples were taken from the 0-20 cm horizon. Organic carbon, total nitrogen, assimilable phosphorus, exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K and Na), cation exchange capacity and saturation rate were measured. The results show that traditional cocoa-based agroforestry systems have not impoverished the soil. In fact, chemical fertility in these plots respects the needs of cocoa trees. However, the study did not show an increase in soil organic matter due to the fall of leaves from associated trees. These results will enable the use of traditional agroforestry systems without fear of soil impoverishment due to any competition between cocoa trees and associated trees.

Vulnerability of cocoa-based agroforestry systems to climate change in West Africa

Previous research indicates that some important cocoa cultivated areas in West Africa will become unsuitable for growing cocoa in the next decades. However, it is not clear if this change will be mirrored by the shade tree species that could be used in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (C-AFS). We characterized current and future patterns of habitat suitability for 38 tree species (including cocoa), using a consensus method for species distribution modelling considering for the first time climatic and soil variables. The models projected an increase of up to 6% of the potential suitable area for cocoa by 2060 compared to its current suitable area in West Africa. Furthermore, the suitable area was highly reduced (14.5%) once considering only available land-use not contributing to deforestation. Regarding shade trees, 50% of the 37 shade tree species modelled will experience a decrease in geographic rate extent by 2040 in West Africa, and 60% by 2060. Hotspots of shade tree species richness overlap the current core cocoa production areas in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, suggesting a potential mismatch for the outer areas in West Africa. Our results highlight the importance of transforming cocoa-based agroforestry systems by changing shade tree species composition to adapt this production systems for future climate conditions.

Socioeconomic analysis of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) agroforest in a tropical dry forest

The characterization of production systems is important to determine limitations and potentialities that allow their management. This type of diagnosis has not been carried out in the study region; therefore, there is no information on cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Therefore, traditional cocoa farms in the municipality of Los Andes, department of Nariño (Colombia), were social and economically characterized. Basic information was reviewed and a semi-structured survey was applied to a stratified random sample of 60 cocoa farmers. Eighteen qualitative and 20 quantitative variables were analyzed simultaneously with multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and principal components analysis (PCA). In the PCA, five components explained 58.7% of the variability. The variables with the highest contribution were farm area, income from cocoa yields, income from agricultural production other than cocoa, and family labor. In the MCA, 11 components explained 58.43% of the variability. The most important components were farmers' schooling, transport type, loans, marketing, technical assistance, gender, land tenure, production systems, roads, and domestic animals. Finally, topographic and climatic conditions, inadequate roads and marketing of cocoa and the low adoption of technologies limit the competitiveness of the cocoa farms, hence the need to create favorable conditions to enhance the potential of cocoa agroforests.

AGROFORESTRY: ECONOMIC CONSIDERATION AND ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES BASED ON FOREST FARMER IN CENTRAL SULAWESI, INDONESIA

In general, sustainable development has three dimensions, namely the economic, ecological and socio-cultural dimensions. The development of community activities especially farmers who need land is increasing very rapidly in line with the development of population and economic growth. To achieve high economic growth, the productivity of land is driven in such a way that it results in an increase in exploitation of natural resources which is reflected in the destruction of forests, land, water, air and biodiversity. The application of the concept of sustainable development faces various challenges because on the one hand economic development must continue to be encouraged while on the other hand cultural integrity, local wisdom and physical landscape must be maintained. This study aims to examine the economic, ecological and basic historical aspects of changes in forest land use and recommendations on land use models that provide the highest benefits and feasibility of farming. The results showed that farming that implemented cocoa-based agroforestry systems, especially cocoa and in fact gave the highest value of profit and feasibility based on economic considerations and an ecological perspective based on local wisdom for farmers around the forest.

Litter Production of Cocoa-Based Agroforestry in West Sumatera, Indonesia

Litter is a fragment of aboveground carbon stocks, a vital bridge to the belowground carbon cycle. Land conversion to agricultural purposes will affect litter production. This study aimed to compare the litter production of natural forests with cocoa-based agroforestry systems (AFS) in West Sumatra. Litter production was measured in five different types of ecosystems, namely natural forest (NF), cocoa-rubber-based AFS (CR), multistrata cocoa-based AFS (CM), cocoa-coconut-based AFS (CC), and cocoa monoculture (M). This study is quantitative research with the collection method. The difference in litter production between the five ecosystems observed was tested using ANOVA parametric statistical method. Litter was collected monthly for one year in which litter traps were evenly distributed in each research plot. Ecosystems of NF and M produced the highest annual litter (6.04 Mg ha-1 and 4.65 Mg ha-1 respectively), while CR produced the lowest one (2.52 Mg ha-1). Although this study did not perform comprehensive modeling of decomposition dynamics, the measurement of annual litter production can provide a further understanding of the dynamics of ecosystem carbon, especially in cocoa-based agroforestry.

Tree diversity and shade rate in complex cocoa-based agroforests affect citrus foot rot disease

The role of agroforest systems in pathogen regulation through structural characteristics such as shade and tree diversity is recognized. However, few studies have examined the importance of these factors on the spread of diseases of associated fruit trees in agroforestry systems, especially cocoa-based agroforestry systems (CBAS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of associated tree diversity and shade rate into CBAS on citrus Phytophthora foot rot disease (PFRD) intensity. The study was carried out in five citrus production basins of Cameroon, contrasted by ecology and rainfall regimes. A set of 33 CBAS plots was mapped and their species composition and vertical structure were determined. Field data were used to reconstruct CBAS in 3D with Shademotion 5.1.47 software. Using static simulations with shadow overlays, shade rate received by each citrus tree was calculated. Subsequently, citrus trees were grouped into three categories according to the shade rate they received: (i) full sun, with shade rate <30%; (ii) light shade with shade rate 30–70% and, (iii) dense shade, with shade rate >70%. PFRD intensity was determined by measuring the canker extent relatively to the citrus crown circumference. A significant difference in PFRD intensity was observed between the different shade rates. Citrus trees receiving no shade were significantly more attacked by PFRD than those receiving little shade or dense shade. The antagonistic effect of shade was demonstrated. At the expense of factors related to the specific composition of the CBAS, shade, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were found to be the main factors explaining PFRD intensity in CBAS. This study shows that microclimatic alterations due to the biodiversity in tropical agroforestry systems contribute to sustainable pest management.

Economic performance of certified cocoa-based agroforestry systems in Cameroon

Economic performance of certified cocoa-based agroforestry systems in Cameroon

Impact of Useful Species Preferences on Carbon Stocks and Annual Increments in Various Cocoa-based Agroforestry Systems in Central Region of Cameroon

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the potential effects of farmers’ species preferences on carbon stock in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (CAFS) in the Central Region of Cameroon. To achieve this goal, the species composition and structural variables of two land-use systems were investigated using 26 plots of 30 m × 30 m each, of which 20 were distributed in CAFS and 6 in adjacent secondary forests. Allometric models were used to estimate the species aboveground and root carbon stock. Ordination analysis indicated three types of species management systems: high-density timber and fruit trees; high-density Musaceae, palms and other shading trees; and low-density timber and fruit trees. The average densities of cocoa shading trees and shrubs were 234 ± 136 and 843 ± 360 individuals’ ha−1, respectively. Thus, the average potential carbon stock of the sampled CAFS was estimated at 186.97 ± 86.06 Mg C ha−1, 22% representing the root carbon stock. The transformation of secondary forest into various species management systems decreased the aboveground carbon by 18–34%. The annual rate of carbon accumulation estimated based on ring analyses was within the range 2.32–13.74 Mg C ha−1 year−1. The monetary value of the total carbon stored and the carbon accumulation rate were US$4042 ha−1and US$159 ha−1year−1, respectively.

Tree density impact on growth, roots length density, and yield in agroforestry based cocoa

Abstract. Saleh AR, Gusli S, Ala A, Neswati R, Sudewi S. 2021. Tree density impact on growth, roots length density, and yield in agroforestry based cocoa. Biodiversitas 23: 496-506. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems using langsat trees as shade is aimed to maximize the absorptions of solar energy, water, and nutrients, and increase income sources for farmers. Limited information about interspecific interactions between cocoa and langsat which is needed to improve the performance of agroforestry systems is a challenging idea. We studied the relationship characteristics of cocoa trees as a present shaded effect in the agroforestry system. Compared agroforestry systems were based on ages, namely young and old cocoa agroforestry or YCAF and OCAF, and monoculture systems (Mono) regardless of plant age. On above stony soil, we observed root length density (RLD) of cocoa and langsat fine roots, from under cocoa canopy to three distance levels from the cocoa stem (i.e. at a distance 0.4 m, 1.2 m and, 1.7 m), and four distance depths for all systems (i.e. at a depth 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm and, 30-40 cm). Stem diameter, basal area, canopy cover, yield cocoa beans, and convertible products non-cocoa were equivalent to the price of cocoa beans by tree equivalent yield (TEY) formula. Cocoa RLD in the Mono system did not differ from RLD-cocoa in the OCAF system, but both significantly differed with RLD-cocoa in the YCAF system. Shade trees increased tree density in both agroforestry systems, triggering competition in the canopy for sunlight. Expansion of langsat roots that spread closer to the cocoa trunk increased competition for nutrients and water. Both cocoa and langsat roots overlapped, exploring the same area. The yield of cocoa beans harvested by farmers from the YCAF and OCAF systems decreased by 50%. However, the langsat tree and several other species were accounted for 50% of the TEY in the agroforestry system, thereby adding a source of income to farmers is equivalent to the yield of cocoa beans from a monoculture system.

English

Cocoa is a major cash crop in Cameroon, where its production and export contributes significantly to the national economy and in poverty alleviation. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems (cAFS) have been recognised as a fair strategy for natural resource management, combining both the agricultural and conservation objectives. This study aims to (1) assess the diversity, (2) analyses the floristic and structural characteristics as well as (3) the dendrological features of the (Exploitation Agricole Betti) (EAB), a cAFS vast of 120 ha, located in the East region of Cameroon. Cocoa and associated tree species were counted in 21 sampling plots of 0.25 ha systematicaly settled all over the system (EAB) between 28 August and 22 October 2016. A total number of 3 147 stems was recorded and distributed in 2,599 cocoa trees and 548 associated trees. The overall diversity of the system is low. The density of the cocoa trees is 495.0 stems/ha, correponding to a success rate of 44.6%. The EAB is attacked by the black pod disease. The average Pod Rot Attacked Index (PRAI) is 0.35 &plusmn; 0.38; and this varies significantly according to the associated trees density and the season. Further studies should aim to (1) identify different cocoa varieties planted in the system, (2) identify correctly all the pests and diseases of the system, (3) assess the impact of associated tree thinning and cocoa tree Pruning on the pests or diseases attack and on the cocoa production, and (4) to explore the usage of associated trees in the system. This with the view to come out with a fair model cFAS to use in tropical humid forest zones. &nbsp; Key words: Exploitation Agricole Betti, cocoa, success rate, associated trees, density, stand basal area, dendrological features, Black pod disease, Pod Rot Attacked Index.

Modelling biodiversity responses to land use in areas of cocoa cultivation

Interest in economically and ecologically sustainable cocoa has grown in recent years. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems are promoted as a potential win-win option for long-term yields, multiple benefits, and the preservation of biodiversity. Yet, even though recent studies have shown such agroforests can support biodiversity, their value relative to natural areas and open-land systems is not fully known. We estimated the biodiversity intactness (BII) of different land uses associated with cocoa-driven land-use change using mixed-effects models. We distinguished between agroforests established under natural shade and those grown from open land, and compared these to intensively grown cropland (including cocoa monoculture), and primary and secondary forest. We found that species richness in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, under both natural and planted shade, was lower than in primary forests but higher than in open-land systems. However, we found that land-use history influenced the biodiversity intactness of agroforests: whilst open-land-derived cocoa-based agroforestry systems and forest-derived cocoa-based agroforestry systems share similar species richness, open-land-derived cocoa-based agroforestry systems have lower community similarity to primary forest than forest-derived cocoa-based agroforestry systems. The results highlight that high levels of BII can be sustained by retaining the natural shade in existing agroforestry systems, but also that incentivising planted shade agroforestry can enhance biodiversity intactness in degraded areas whilst delivering co-benefits. Importantly, the results highlight that cocoa planning seeking to achieve biodiversity benefits should consider the direction of land use and biodiversity transitions.

The spatial distribution and height of associated crops influence cocoa tree productivity in complex agroforestry systems

Knowledge is lacking on the effects of associated crops on cocoa productivity in complex cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Through a generalized linear mixed model, we analyzed the influence of (i) the density and (ii) the height of associated species on cocoa tree productivity along a distance gradient of 0 to 5 m between cocoa trees and associated plants. We mapped 34 mature agroforestry systems in farmers’ plots to locate the position of different crop species in relation to each other. The production of each plant was monitored at fortnightly intervals over one year. The main results showed that cocoa tree productivity increased in the presence of Fabaceae, even when at a short distance (< 3 m), and to a lesser extent in the presence of timber trees. All the other species, i.e., food-producing trees, had a negative effect on cocoa productivity, which diminished with increasing distance up to a distance ranging from 3 to 5 m depending on the species. The height of associated plants also had a significantly negative effect on cocoa productivity at a distance of less than 3 m, beyond which the negative effect decreased. To our knowledge, it is the first study that finely analyzes the effect of associated crops on cocoa productivity according to farmers’ use and for short distances. These results are of particular interest for the structural redesign of agroforestry systems, in order to optimize their agro-economic performance, and can be used to recommend the distance to be respected between cocoa trees and associated plants as well as the height of the different crops or forest trees.

Impact of Agroforestry Systems on Mineral Fertility of Soils under Cocoa Trees in Toumodi, Côte D'ivoire

Aims: To evaluate the impact of different agroforestry systems on the mineral fertility of soils under cocoa trees.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: The experiment was conducted in the field from June to August 2020 in three types of cocoa-based agroforestry systems identified in Toumodi (Côte d'Ivoire) between the northern latitudes 6°19'37 and 6°34'51 and the western longitudes 5°19'58 and 5°20'02. in the forest-savanna transition zone&#x0D; Methodology: Agroforestry systems define a method of setting up plantations associating various trees with cocoa trees. The choice of cocoa plantations was guided by the density of trees associated with cocoa trees defining a typology of agroforests (simple, mixed or complex). Thus, in each agroforestry system considered, three delimited plots of 100 m2 were randomly placed to make a floristic inventory of the species encountered and each time to take elementary soil samples in the first horizons at 0-20 cm and 20 - 40 cm depth to constitute the composite samples for chemical analyses in the laboratory.&#x0D; Results: The study identified and recorded floristically, 17 families (Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Arecaceae, Bombacaceae, Caricaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Invingiaceae, Lauraceae, Meliaceae, Mimosaceae, Moraceae, Musaceae, Myristicaceae, Rutaceae, Sterculiaceae, Verbenaceae) distributed in 27 local plant species of which 55.55% of the species and a density of 55 trees/hectare in SAGS, 70.37% of the species and a density of 155.33 trees/hectare in MAGS and 81.40% of the species 224.33 trees/hectare in CAGS. These arboricultural species introduced or maintained in the plantations are generally species with shade, food, economic or medicinal interests. In terms of the chemical fertility generated, it appears that the contents of major elements and trace elements, as well as the clay-humus complex of the soils under cocoa trees were globally satisfactory and more important in the superficial horizons at a depth of 0-20 cm than in the underlying horizon of 20-40 cm, whatever the type of agroforestry system considered, but much more so in MAGS than in CAGS and SAGS in decreasing order. The different positive (R=0.80) or negative (R=-0.80) correlations established between the mineral elements in the surface horizons contribute to enrich the soil by synergistic or antagonistic effects in the agroforestry systems of Toumodi, Côte d'Ivoire.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study showed that each forest agroforestry system has distinct characteristics that can be summarized mainly by its floristic diversity and density of associated trees. They are all not only preservers of a certain level of biodiversity and chemical fertility of the soils under cocoa trees, but much more so at 0-20cm than at 20-40cm. However, AGM would be more likely to improve production in a sustainable way by its capacity to establish a nutritional balance in the soil. It can be recommended during the establishment of cocoa plantations in Côte d'Ivoire.

English

Soil macro-fauna play an important role in soil fertility improvement in different agricultural systems. However, limited research has been done to assess the role played by soil macro-fauna to soil fertility enhancement in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. This study was therefore initiated to fill this knowledge void. A mixed research approach was used during data collection, and data analysis was done using descriptive and analytical statistics. Findings showed that the main indicators of soil fertility perceived by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were cocoa yield (100%), soil colour (90%) and presence of soil macro-organisms (80%). Cocoa farmers identified earth worms (100%), ants (100%), termites (70%), millipedes (50%), and centipedes (50%) as the main soil macro-fauna found in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. With respect to the contribution of soil macro-fauna to soil fertility improvement, cocoa farmers perceived that earth worms, ants, and termites (62, 47.7, 57.6, and 52.4, respectively) contributed highly to soil fertility improvement in cocoa-based agroforestry systems while crickets, woodlice, snails and slugs were perceived by cocoa farmers (61.7, 60, 45.6, and 58.9%, respectively) to contribute only averagely to soil fertility improvement in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Through correlation and regression analysis, it was found that the main soil macro-fauna contributing significantly (p<0.05), to soil fertility improvement in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were earth worms, ants, termites, beetles, snails and slugs. On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that appropriate measures be taken to ensure the sustainability of soil macro-fauna in cocoa-based agroforestry systems owing to the great role they play role in soil fertility improvement. Key words: Soil, soil fertility, cocoa farmers, cocoa-based agroforestry, agroforestry, macro-fauna, Cameroon.

English

Cocoa farmers&rsquo; excessive use of agrochemicals in cocoa agroforests has major repercussions on soil organisms, which play a great role in soil fertility enhancement. This study was carried out to examine the relationship between agrochemical use and soil macro-fauna diversity and abundance in cocoa agroforests in Cameroon. A mixed research approach was used, and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. It was found that the main types of agrochemicals used by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were fungicides (100%), insecticides (100%), and herbicides (36.7%). The categorization of the major types of agrochemicals used by cocoa farmers revealed that, two types of herbicides, eight types of fungicides, and nine types of insecticides were used by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Most cocoa farmers perceived that all the agrochemicals lead to a decrease in soil macro-fauna diversity and abundance in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Chi-square test statistic results (X2 &gt; 78, p&lt;0.05) showed that cocoa farmers&rsquo; perceptions of the effects of agrochemicals on the diversity and abundance of soil macro-fauna in cocoa-based agroforestry systems differed significantly across the main types of agrochemicals (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides). Correlation and regression analyses showed the existence of a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) inverse non-causal and causal relationship respectively between most agrochemicals and soil macro-fauna diversity and abundance in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the use of these agrochemicals leads to a reduction in soil macro-fauna diversity and abundance in cocoa agroforests. Thus, it is recommended that measures be taken to reduce the use of agrochemicals in cocoa agroforests in order to safeguard the diversity and abundance of soil macro-fauna in these systems. Key words: Agrochemicals, soil fauna diversity, soil fauna, soil, agroforestry, cocoa, farmers, Cameroon