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VOL. 6, ISSUE 1 (2024)
Transformation of savannahs into cocoa-based agroforests and carbon stock dynamics on the Mbam-sanaga confluence in central Cameroon
Authors
Mopi Touoyem Fabrice, Youta Happi
Abstract
Cocoa farming contributes more than 60% of the
local population's agricultural income. Farmers in central Cameroon, who have
long grown cocoa under forest shade, have innovated by experimenting with
growing cocoa in the savannah, combining it with multi-purpose trees that
contribute to the formation of agroforests over the long term. The aim of this
work is therefore to show how the creation of these cocoa-based agroforests
contributes to increasing carbon stocks in the savannah. The study was based on
botanical surveys of 1 hectare plots in the savannah and in the agroforests
respectively, and the analysis of soil samples. The results show that forest
scarcity is the main reason for the expansion of these agroforests in the
savannah. The creation of agroforests is accompanied by an increase in the
density of woody plants in the savannah and an increase in carbon stocks. These
agroforests store 22 tC.ha-1 compared with 18 tC.ha-1 for
natural savannas. In terms of soil organic carbon, 7-year-old agroforests store
around 21.702 g.kg-1 and 10-year-old agroforests around 28.641 g.kg-1.
These agroforests are an opportunity for forest conservation and REDD+ to
combat global warming.
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Pages:24-30
How to cite this article:
Mopi Touoyem Fabrice, Youta Happi "Transformation of savannahs into cocoa-based agroforests and carbon stock dynamics on the Mbam-sanaga confluence in central Cameroon". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 6, Issue 1, 2024, Pages 24-30
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