LAND USE PATTERNS FOR CACAO AGROFORESTRY IN SOUTHERN CAMEROON

Abstract

Deforestation in central Africa is a serious global concern. Many studies have pointed to timber extraction and agricultural expansion as responsible for the destruction. To address this problem, cacao agroforestry, which combines cacao production with forest conservation, has attracted attention. Recent discussion on cacao agroforestry has focused on biodiversity conservation. Agroforestry was originally promoted to manage and use land effectively. This study examines various land uses by the Fang who are small-scale farmers that engage in cacao production in southern Cameroon. The Fang use their land not only for agriculture but also for hunting and gathering activities. These forest-based activities support their cacao production by preventing damage caused by animals and by providing forest products to be used as gifts and compensation to obtain labor. The Fang's land use for cacao production is also influenced by local context, history, economy, and politics. Cacao agroforestry by the Fang is advanced through such activities that are seemingly extraneous to cacao production. This study furthers the framework of agroforestry by investigating the local people's overall land use.