Trees Outside Forests: Species Adopted by the HIMO Approach as Part of the Diméo-Walamaï Road Rehabilitation Project in Mokolo Council, Far North, Cameroon

Abstract

Biodiversity, a natural biological capital of the earth presents important opportunities for all societies, provides essential goods and services for human livelihoods and aspirations. This work assesses the potential of plant species adopted by the HIMO (High Labour Intensity) approach. More specifically, the aim is to: gauge farmers' perceptions of suitable species; characterize the plant population of the species encountered in Diméo to Moufou section and assess the carbon stock in this area. To do this, a participatory methodology based on sur   vey of local population followed by interviews with relevant authorities was first adopted, followed by floristic inventories in 03 villages (Diméo, Moufou and Walamaï). Azadirachta indica were planted mainly on selected sites along the road, 9 km. The quadrat method, which consists of using a string to mark out a 50x50 m area within which an inventory of the vegetation is carried out by following 10 m radius wide and 50 m long one after the other. Results showed that the diametric, vertical and horizontal distribution of trees on these sites has a "U" shape. This confirms the effect of the anthropization of these sites.  Good regeneration of the species on the sites, whether reforested or not is indicated. The presence of large trees explained the fact that they are sometimes protected in fields, houses and roadsides against intermediate trees, which are exploited for firewood. However, total carbon is estimated at 80.837 tC/ha. It is higher in Walamaï (22.24±7.05 tC/ha). Equivalent CO2 varies significantly between villages and plant species. The total value of equivalent carbon dioxide was 296.402 tCO2/ha. This carbon dioxide is most represented by A. indica in the Walamaï village (81.56±24.85 tCO2/ha) and least by the species Acacia nilotica (1.08±0.00) in Walamaï. The total monetary value of the total quantity of carbon is US$2,964,023.