Impact of Anthropogenic Activities and Urban Proximity on the Conservation of Trees Outside Forests on Agricultural Lands in the Mongala Province, Democratic Republic of Congo

This study analysed the influence of charcoal production, artisanal logging, and urban proximity on the conservation of Trees Outside Forests on Agricultural Lands (TOF-AL) in the Mongala Province (Democratic Republic of Congo). A stratified random sampling methodology was applied to 45 villages distributed across the three territories of the province (Bongandanga, Bumba, and Lisala). Within each village, an inventory of TOF-AL was conducted using linear transects and systematic sampling, allowing for the evaluation of the conservation index, species richness, density, and diversity of TOF-AL. The practice of extractive activities, including charcoal production and artisanal logging, was documented in each village, and the distance to major cities was determined. The results indicate that charcoal production and artisanal logging have a significant negative impact on all measured conservation parameters of TOF-AL. The conservation index, species richness, density, and diversity of TOF significantly decrease in villages where these activities are associated with slash-and-burn agriculture. The Bumba territory showed the lowest values for the conservation index, species richness, and density. The lowest values observed in Bumba suggest an increased anthropogenic pressure on forest resources in this area. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the distance to major cities and the conservation of TOF-AL. In remote villages, the conservation index, species richness, density, and diversity of TOF-AL were significantly higher than in peri-urban areas. These results suggest that differentiated conservation strategies should be prioritised to ensure the effective conservation of TOF-AL in this region and beyond. These differentiated conservation strategies should consider territorial specificities, socio-economic activities, and spatial dynamics of rural landscapes.