Importance, diversity and economic value of trees associated with cocoa trees in different agroforestry systems

The expansion of cocoa cultivation in Côte d'Ivoire, although crucial to the national economy, has been at the expense of forest cover, leading to massive deforestation, loss of biodiversity and degradation of essential ecosystem services. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems (SAFc), incorporating shade trees, are increasingly being promoted as a sustainable solution for reconciling agricultural productivity and environmental conservation. This study aimed to (1) characterise the floristic diversity of shade trees associated with cocoa trees in different SAFc in the Nawa region; (2) assess the structural characteristics of these trees; (3) estimate biomass and carbon sequestration of SAFc; and (4) compare the economic value of trees associated with SAFc. Sixteen (16) cocoa plantations representing four types of SAFc (full sun systems, shaded systems and two intermediate systems) were selected and floristic surveys were carried out. A total of 83 tree species in 62 genera and 32 botanical families were recorded, with higher species richness in shaded systems (52 species) and intermediate 2 (40 species). Structural analysis revealed a predominance of young trees (diameter class [10-20] cm), suggesting active regeneration. Overall, the results indicate that intermediate SAFc systems offer an optimal balance between cocoa productivity, biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services, particularly in terms of biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration. Promoting intermediate SAFc could therefore strengthen the sustainability of cocoa production in Côte d'Ivoire.