Cocoa-based Agroforestry 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.

Struktur Agroforestri Kakao Muda dan Penerimaan Petani di Desa Sidomulyo Kecamatan Air Naningan, Tanggamus

The successful adaptation of cocoa clones from Sulawesi in Lampung Province, especially since the release of the MCC clone in 2015, has increased farmers' interest in rehabilitating cocoa plantations, carrying out cloning and replanting using these superior clones. This study aims to study the structure of young cocoa agroforestry vegetation and farmer income in Air Naningan District, Tanggamus Regency.The research was conducted using a survey method. The sample agroforestry gardens selected purposively as models were young agroforests with complex vegetation structures and agroforests with simple vegetation structures. The results of this study indicate that the rehabilitated young cocoa-based agroforestry vegetation structure is affected by the previous tree stands. In addition, the vegetation is dominated by banana plants as productive shade so that the main crops are cocoa and bananas. In complex agroforestry systems, more types of associated crops are found than in simple agroforestry systems. Important structures as characteristics of young cocoa agroforestry are young interplanting which will later become the main crops, namely cocoa, coffee and avocado. In addition, in complex agroforestry types, tree structures with stump sprouts (regrowth trees) are found which are often pruned as goat fodder. In both types of agroforestry, various types of understorey crops were found from the food crop group, vegetables, fruit, and spices. Weekly revenue for rehabilitated cocoa-based agroforestry come from cocoa and banana yields. Palm sugar (Arenga pinnata) production is an important source of daily revenue for agroforestry farmers who manage palm trees. Key words : Agroforestry, Arenga, banana, cacao, coffee, rubber, rehabilitation, revenue, taro

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.

Spatial Distribution of Citrus Pseudocercospora Leaf and Fruit Spot Disease and Shade Effect on Disease Intensity

Adapting agricultural systems to face persistent environmental hazards is at the center of global concerns. In line with this, understanding and highlighting the structural characteristics of agroforestry systems could strengthen their resilience in terms of disease management. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of shade on the intensity of citrus leaf and fruit spot disease caused by Pseudocercospora (PLFSD). Investigations to assess the effects of shade components on the incidence of PLFSD were carried out on 15-year-old tangerine trees in a cocoa-based agroforestry plot (Bokito) during four fruits seasons. Tangerines under the shade of large forest trees were compared to others located under full sunlight. A complementary experiment was conducted on young grapefruit plants in an orchard with mango and avocado groves in Foumbot. Three shading conditions, i.e., under avocado trees, under mango trees, and without shade, were explored. Data on shade and PLFSD incidence were collected and analyzed. Our findings show that PLFSD incidence was null on tangerine leaves from trees under shade compared to those under full sunlight. The same trends were observed in fruits under shade and under full sunlight. Disease incidence on grapefruit leaves was lower on trees under shade compared to those under full sunlight. In short, shade trees appear to constitute potential physical barriers to disease progression. This study also highlights disease spatial distribution as beyond 12 m of distance between neighboring trees, no spatial dependence of disease spread was observed. Management actions based on the distance between citrus trees and regulating shade are envisaged.

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.

The role of shade tree pruning in cocoa agroforestry systems: agronomic and economic benefits

Cocoa-based agroforests are promoted to replace monocultures for the provision of ecosystem services. However, shade tree pruning, an important tool to sustain cocoa yields, is not commonly implemented. This study investigates the effect of pruning on both agronomic and economic performance. In Bolivia, four famers’ sites were divided in half, and shade trees pruned in one of the two plots. Pruning resulted in a significant increase in cocoa yield, from an average of 430 to 710 kg ha−1 by boosting flowering and pod production, but not reducing the proportion of damaged pods, and of those lost to cherelle wilt. Additionally, scenario calculations using international and organic premium cocoa prices were conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of pruning. The minimum, mean and maximum yield of 22 local cocoa-based agroforestry farms were used as reference for 25, 50 and 75% yield increase scenarios. Offsetting the pruning costs highly depended on the initial yield levels. Using the minimum yield, all scenarios led to a lower net income compared with no pruning. For the mean yield level, the net income was equal to that obtained without pruning when the yield increase was above 51%. At the maximum yield level, all increase scenarios resulted in a higher net income. Our results prove the importance of pruning agroforestry trees to increase cocoa yields. However, with current farm-gate prices for cocoa, farmers alone cannot cover the extra management costs. The cocoa sector should discuss different strategies to support pruning for a broader adoption of agroforests.

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.

Assessment of a Cocoa-Based Agroforestry System in the Southwest of Colombia

Cocoa-based agroforests play an important role in farmer livelihood and the global environment; however, despite these facts, their low yields and tree aging put at risk their fate. This project investigated the carbon storage potential, productivity, and economics of different agroforestry arrangements of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) with Melina (Gmelina arborea) trees, in the southwest of Colombia. We established the experiment under a Randomized Complete Blocks design with seven treatments and three repetitions. Different allometric models were tested. Allometric models were made for G. arborea trees with dbh, ranging between 30.24 and 50.11 cm. The total carbon accumulation fluctuated between 49.2 (Treatment 4) and 88.5 t ha−1 (Treatment 2), soil organic matter (SOM) ranged between 9 and 17%, bulk density decreased from 0.83 to 0.77 g cm−3. Cocoa yield ranged between 311 kg ha−1 year−1 (Treatment 7, traditional farm) and 922 kg ha−1 year−1 (Treatment 6). Treatment 6 showed the best performance with a net present value (NPV) of COP 1,446,467 (US $337.6), an internal rate of return (IRR) of 42%, and a cost-benefit ratio (B/C) of 1.67%. The benefits of AFS were also evidenced in some of the physical and chemical soil properties. Despite local marginality, these cocoa agroforest arrangements are a viable alternative to improve the traditional (local) cocoa systems because cacao agroforest arrangements increased cacao yield and carbon storage becoming a suitable alternative to improve traditional systems.

Agroforestry as an Agro-Ecological Pathway to phase-out chemical Fertilizer Application in Smallholder Farms in Cameroon: State-of-the-Art and Policy Implications

Man and ecosystems are highly threatened by the abusive application of chemical fertilizers in a bid to enhance soil fertility and improve crop productivity. These chemical fertilizers pose serious health risks to farmers and the population at large and contribute to short and long-term soil degradation. Thus, this study was initiated to examine how agroforestry can contribute towards phasing out chemical fertilizers application in smallholder farms in the south west region of Cameroon. Data collection was done from secondary and primary sources and analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS version 17 were used to run the descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that silvopastoral, agrosilvopastoral and agrosilvicultural systems were the most dominant agroforestry systems, with different agroforestry practices like coffee-based agroforestry plantations, cut and carry fodder, home gardens, trees/shrubs on farmlands, cocoa-based agroforestry plantations, live fences, improved fallows and home gardens with livestock characterizing these three agroforestry systems. These agroforestry systems provided different ecosystem services to agroforestry practitioners with the most common being food, fuelwood, finance/income, and climate moderation. Besides food and soil fertility enhancement, very limited or no chemical fertilizer was used to obtain the other ecosystem services. There was an inverse relationship (p&lt;0.05) between ecosystem services of agroforestry systems and chemical fertilizer application, demonstrating that chemical fertilizers are not needed to enhance the ecosystem services of agroforestry systems. There was equally an inverse relationship (p&lt;0.05) between agroforestry systems and chemical fertilizer application, indicating that farmers’ practice of agroforestry reduces chemical fertilizer application on farms. Agroforestry is therefore recommended as a sustainable pathway to limit and/or eradicate farmers’ application of chemical fertilizers.

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.

Agroforestry for Climate Change Adaptation, Resilience Enhancement and Vulnerability Attenuation in Smallholder Farming Systems in Cameroon

The adverse impacts of climate variability and change are felt mostly by smallholder farmers and smallholder farming systems where rainfed agriculture is predominant. Continuous dependence on rain-fed agriculture has led to declining crop productivity and crop failure in most cases as weather patterns shift which is very problematic for crop growth. Agroforestry which is one of the climate-smart, environmentally benign and agroecological practices has been found to mitigate climate change adversities while fostering adaptation, enhancing resilience and attenuating vulnerability especially in smallholder farming systems. However, in Cameroon, limited empirical research has been done to ascertain the role played by agroforestry in climate change adaptation, resilience enhancement and vulnerability attenuation. This paper which is based on an in-depth review of literature was undertaken to uncover what has been done so far in terms of empirical studies tackling the role played by agroforestry in climate change adaptation, resilience and vulnerability attenuation in Cameroon. It was found that most of the empirical studies have been carried out in one agroecological zone – the western highlands of Cameroon, showing that smallholder farmers adopt different agroforestry practices in the face of climate change with the most common being home gardens with livestock, home gardens without livestock, scattered trees on croplands, improved fallows, live fences/hedges and windbreaks, coffeebased agroforestry, cocoa-based agroforestry, apiculture-based agroforestry, fodder banks, and plantation crop-based agroforestry practices. These agroforestry practices provide a plethora of ecosystem services categorized into provisioning, supporting, regulating and cultural which play an important role towards fostering climate change adaptation, enhancing resilience and attenuating vulnerability in smallholder farming systems. From the findings uncovered by this study, it is imperative for more empirical studies to be carried out in the other four agroecological zones of Cameroon where there is a paucity of information regarding the role played by agroforestry towards fostering climate change adaptation, enhancing resilience and attenuating vulnerability in smallholder farming systems.

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.