Typology of cocoa-based agroforestry systems of the semi-deciduous forest zone in Togo (West Africa)

Abstract

In the tropical zone, cocoa-based agroforest systems (CAFS) are considered as a mean to maintain and conserve biodiversiy. In the sub-humid zone of Togo (West Africa), agroforest plant species are key components of the landscape and agricultural lands. Cocoa and coffee agroforest systems contribute directly and indirectly to the livelihoods of an estimated one million people in Togo. Despite this fact, there is only few informations regarding their structure, and typology. The current study assessed the typology, tree structure and diversity of cocoa-based agroforest systems. 213 random plots across the study area were sampled using variable areas (25 × 25 m2, 50 × 50 m2 and 100 × 100 m2) for the survey. 4766 non-cocoa trees belonging to 195 plant species, 140 genera and 47 families were identified. Only woody trees were recorded during this study. The estimated average tree density was 159.21 ± 97.58 trees/ha, whereas the basal area was 54.19 m²/ha. Based on the Importance Value Index (IVI), the floristic composition, and the frequency of species, six groups (from G1 to G6) were discriminated. Each group was a particular type of CAFS. These results are similar to those obtained in the CAFS of West, Central Africa and other tropical zones, confirming CAFS key role in forest trees diversity conservation.   Key words: Cocoa-based agroforest system, typology, sub-humid, forest tree diversity, Togo.