Cocoa Farmers’ Perceptions of the Role Played by Tree Diversity and Density on Soil Macro-Fauna Diversity and Density in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in Cameroon
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac, Nyong Princely Awazi, Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science · pp. 20–28 · Published 29 Dec 2020
10.9734/ijpss/2020/v32i1730383Abstract
Tree diversity and density in agroforestry systems has been found to increase the diversity and density of soil macro-fauna. However, very little is known of the relationship between tree diversity and density in cocoa agroforests and soil macro-fauna diversity and density. This study was therefore undertaken to fill this knowledge gap. A mixed research approach was adopted and data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the findings, most cocoa farmers perceived that tree diversity in cocoa agroforests was either average, high or very high. Most cocoa farmers perceived that tree density on its part was either average or low. Concerning soil macro-fauna diversity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, most of the cocoa farmers perceived that soil macro-fauna diversity was either average or high. For soil macro-fauna density in cocoa agroforests, most cocoa farmers perceived that soil macro-fauna density was either average, high or low. Through correlation and regression analyses, it was found that a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship existed between the level of tree diversity and density in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (very high tree diversity, high tree diversity, average tree diversity, low tree diversity, very low tree diversity), and the level of soil macro-fauna diversity and density. This implies that increasing tree species diversity and density leads to increasing soil macro-fauna diversity and density in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It is therefore recommended that policy makers take drastic measures to ensure greater tree diversity and density in cocoa agroforests in order to ensure higher soil macro-fauna diversity and density.
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Cited by 13
N. P. Awazi · Discover Forests · 2025
N. P. Awazi, Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac, T. F. Ambebe · Soil Advances · 2025
Maryam Banifatemeh, H. Parvaresh, M. Moslehi · Polish Journal of Environmental Studies · 2023
Nyong Princely Awazi, Marie-Louise Tientcheu-Avana, Lucie Felicite Temgoua · Biodiversity and Bioeconomy · 2024
Nyong Princely Awazi · Handbook of Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change · 2025
Nyong Princely Awazi · Handbook of Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change · 2025
Nyong Princely Awazi, Jude Ndzifon Kimengsi, Roland Azibo Balgah · Biodiversity and Bioeconomy · 2024
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