Roadside Trees in the City of Yamoussoukro (Central Côte d'Ivoire): The Case of the N'Zuessi and Millionnaire Neighbourhoods

The neighbourhoods of the city of Yamoussoukro in Côte d'Ivoire are densely populated with trees lining all roads. The aim of this study is to assess the diversity and carbon stock of trees in the Millionnaires and N'Zuessi neighbourhoods. To do this, an inventory of plant species was carried out using the itinerant survey method, and then we measured the height and DBH ≥ 2.5 cm of the trees. The biomass of individuals converted into carbon stock was estimated using allometric equations adapted to the urban environment. The area covered by trees along roadsides in both neighbourhoods has been estimated at 7.98 hectares. The results showed that these neighbourhoods are home to 30 species, comprising 1,900 individuals. The species Terminalia mantaly has the largest number, with 974 individuals. Exotic species are the most commonly planted, with 22 species, or 73% of the total. The total carbon stock is 1,365.01 tonnes, or 171.05 tonnes/hectare, with Terminalia mantaly containing the largest stock (104.02 tonnes/hectare). Trees therefore contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases and deserve to be further developed in Africa.