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    Evaluating farmers' knowledge of shade trees in different cocoa agro-ecological zones in Ghana

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    S17ArtGraefeEvaluatingInthomNodev.pdf (852.3Kb)
    Date
    2017
    Author
    Graefe, S.
    Meyer-Sand, L.F.
    Chauvette, K.
    Abdulai, I.
    Jassogne, Laurence T.P.
    Vaast, Philippe
    Asare, R.
    Type
    Journal Article
    Target Audience
    Scientists
    Metadata
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    Abstract/Description
    Shade trees are an integral part of most cocoa growing systems across the world. This study assesses farmers’ local knowledge of shade trees at two locations in Ghana with different climatic conditions and vulnerability to climate change. Akumadan is located in the northern dry part of the cocoa belt representing marginal conditions for cocoa cultivation, whereas Asankragua is located in the southern wet part, more ecologically favorable for cocoa cultivation. Inventories were conducted to assess the abundance of species, their structural characteristics and benefits to cocoa systems. Results show that cocoa farmers have detailed knowledge on the functions of shade trees in cocoa systems and prefer species that provide specific needs according to the location. However, abundance of species in a location does not necessary translate into beneficial impacts on cocoa productivity. In the drier part of the cocoa belt, income diversification through shade trees is an adaptation strategy to the increasingly marginal conditions for cocoa production, which has led to the high proportion of fruit trees among the most abundant species. In contrast, farmers in the southern part of the cocoa belt select shade trees for their high cocoa compatibility. Adaptation strategies for cocoa farmers should therefore promote species that best accommodate farmers’ economic, agronomic and environmental needs.
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10745-017-9899-0
    Multi standard citation
    Permanent link to this item
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/1638
    Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10745-017-9899-0
    IITA Subjects
    Cocoa; Knowledge Management
    Agrovoc Terms
    Agroforestry; Cocoa (Plant); Farmers; Local Knowledge; Shade; Theobroma Cacao; Tree Attributes
    Regions
    Africa; West Africa
    Countries
    Ghana
    Journals
    Human Ecology
    Collections
    • Journal and Journal Articles4836
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