Traditional Cocoa-Based Agroforestry Systems and Food Security in the Localities of Séria and Zépréguhé (Central-West, Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Agriculture has been a central activity in the organisation of human societies for millennia, serving both as a source of sustenance and as a driver of economic development. In Côte d’Ivoire, agriculture, particularly cocoa farming, which covers 30% of the territory, threatens biodiversity. Agroforestry systems, integrating trees and crops, offer ecological and social benefits. However, their impacts on flora preservation, ecosystem services, and food security remain understudied. To optimise their management and improve food security, this study aims to contribute to better management of useful phytodiversity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Floristic and dendrometric data collection and surveys were conducted. The studied cocoa agroforestry systems harbour 77 species across 50 genera and 27 families, with a predominance of Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Producers utilise various species to meet agricultural and social, with local variations. The results also show differences in food consumption and food security levels according to agricultural periods. This study highlights the importance of key species in cocoa agroforestry systems, particularly in the Daloa department, and proposes foundations for conservation policies adapted to local variability. These results argue for the integration of traditional agroforestry systems with cocoa trees through the promotion of agroforestry practices based on the conservation of multi-purpose species, technical support for producers and the consideration of food security in the sustainable management of cocoa landscapes.