Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Cashew Plantation Expansion in the Proximity to Mount Sangbé National Park, Western Côte d’ivoire

The rapid expansion of cashew plantations in West Africa has significantly altered the rural landscapes, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, which is recognized as the leading global exporter of cashew nuts. This development, propelled by worldwide demand and national agricultural policies, is exerting increasing pressure on protected areas, such as Mount Sangbé National Park (MSNP). The present study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal pathways of cashew plantation expansion in relation to their proximity to MSNP. Surveys were administered to 120 households in three villages adjacent to the park, collecting data on plantation age, area, number of plots, and distance from MSNP. The analysis utilizes spatio-temporal visualizations, bivariate density maps, and a linear mixed-effects model to discern the factors influencing plantation age. The findings reveal divergent dynamics among the villages: in Toulo, intensification is concentrated within 7 to 9 kilometers of the park, marked by numerous plantations of intermediate age. Conversely, in Gbeteman and Sorotonan, the oldest and most extensive plantations are located 12 kilometers away, with newer plantations progressively emerging nearer to the park. The statistical model reveals a positive association between plantation area and age, although the distance to the park and the number of plots do not exhibit statistically significant effects. These findings highlight the imperative for integrated territorial planning to harmonize agricultural development with conservation efforts. Unregulated expansion of plantations in proximity to MSNP could compromise its ecological functions over an extended period.