Tree growth in West African cocoa agroforestry systems: High timber yields and superior performance of natural regeneration

Kouassi Aimé Kouadio, Zo-Bi Irie Casimir, Hérault Bruno, Konan Isaac Kouamé, Dago Marie Ruth, Lasbats Baptiste, Schmitt Sylvain, N’Guessan Anny E., Aussenac Raphaël. 2025. Tree growth in West African cocoa agroforestry systems: High timber yields and superior performance of natural regeneration. Annals of Forest Science, 82:17, 15 p.

Url - jeu de données - Entrepôt autre : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12581454

Résumé : Key message: Cocoa agroforestry systems (AFS) in West Africa represent an underexplored yet promising source of timber. Within these systems, species can reach a 50-cm diameter as early as 14 years of age. Naturally regenerated trees grow 10% faster than planted ones and develop a 43% greater bole volume. These findings underscore the high timber potential of cocoa AFS and confirm natural regeneration as a superior strategy for tree renewal and wood production. Context: In West Africa, where over 80% of original forests have been converted to agriculture, finding alternative timber sources is essential. Agroforestry, prevalent across the region, offers a potential solution. Aims: This study assesses the timber production potential of trees in cocoa agroforestry systems in Côte d'Ivoire. Methods: In 150 cocoa agroforestry plots, we (i) modelled the diameter growth of forest tree species; (ii) developed specific allometric models for cocoa AFS; and (iii) evaluated the effect of tree origin (natural regeneration vs. plantation) on growth trajectories, allometry, and bole volume. Results: Trees can reach a diameter of 50 cm as early as 14 years of age, and a bole height of up to 8.83 m at this diameter. Naturally regenerated trees grow 10% faster annually than planted trees, reaching their minimum logging diameter up to 10 years earlier, and have a 43% greater bole volume. Conclusion: Natural regeneration is a more effective strategy than planting for tree renewal in cocoa AFS, providing faster growth, greater timber volumes, and significant potential for sustainable forestry management and meeting regional timber demands.

Mots-clés Agrovoc : agroforesterie, Theobroma cacao, régénération naturelle, croissance, allométrie, biodiversité, exploitation forestière, systèmes agroforestiers, forêt tropicale

Mots-clés géographiques Agrovoc : Côte d'Ivoire, Afrique occidentale

Mots-clés libres : Timber wood, Growth trajectories, Silvicultural management, Natural regeneration, Cocoa agroforestry, West Africa

Agences de financement hors UE : European DeSIRA, Agence Française de Développement

Projets sur financement : (CIV) Cocoa4Future

Auteurs et affiliations

• Kouassi Aimé Kouadio, INPHB (CIV) - auteur correspondant
• Zo-Bi Irie Casimir, INPHB (CIV)
• Hérault Bruno, CIRAD-ES-UPR Forêts et sociétés (FRA) ORCID: 0000-0002-6950-7286
• Konan Isaac Kouamé, UFHB (CIV)
• Dago Marie Ruth, CIRAD-ES-UPR Forêts et sociétés (FRA)
• Lasbats Baptiste, ENS Lyon (FRA)
• Schmitt Sylvain, CIRAD-ES-UPR Forêts et sociétés (FRA) ORCID: 0000-0001-7759-7106
• N’Guessan Anny E., UFHB (CIV)
• Aussenac Raphaël, CIRAD-ES-UPR Forêts et sociétés (CIV) ORCID: 0000-0003-1191-4716

Source : Cirad-Agritrop (https://agritrop.cirad.fr/613135/)

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