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

Abstract

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.