Ethnocultural perceptions of ecosystem services provided by cocoa-based agroforests in Togo

Description of the subject. Cocoa-based agroforests are economically, ecologically and socially important. The choice of tree species to be introduced into cocoa farms depends on the use value of plant species according to ethnocultural groups and the contribution of the chosen species to the diversification of incomes of local communities. Objectives. This study aimed to analyze the local perceptions of farmers regarding the ecosystem services of cocoa-based agroforests. Method. Ethnobotanical surveys, conducted via interview, were carried out among 702 cocoa farmers in the cocoa cultivation area in Togo. Surveys were coupled with field visits in 50 cantons belonging to nine prefectures of the cocoa cultivation area in Togo. Data analysis was based on frequency, percentage and average calculations, statistical tests and non-metric ordination of plant species according to ethnocultural groups. Results. Native and newcomer ethnocultural groups reported 174 woody species that they deliberately conserved in order to benefit from 18 services offered by cocoa-based agroforests. The three main criteria of choice considered by farmers for keeping a woody species in a cocoa farm were: its ability to offer shade to cocoa trees (98.14%), its level of contribution to food security and household nutrition (92.43%), and its provision for the diversification of income sources (78.71%). The diversity of associated species varied according to ethnocultural groups and socioeconomic characteristics. Conclusions. This study offers to extension services and research within the field of cocoa a diverse range of forest tree species that could be produced and made available for a sustainable development program of cocoa farming in Togo. The adoption of good practices and technologies by farmers, in order to increase their resilience, needs specific consideration based on the perceptions of local communities.