Cashew cultivation is a vital economic driver for smallholder farmers in northern Côte d’Ivoire, contributing to improved livelihoods. However, the widespread adoption of monoculture cropping has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding ecosystem degradation, soil depletion, and the long-term sustainability of cashew production. To mitigate climate risks and ensure the resilience of cashew orchards, crop diversification presents a viable alternative to monoculture cultivation. This study aimed to develop evidence-based diversification strategies for cashew farming in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Findings indicate that cashew plantation ownership is predominantly male, with men representing 90.3% of the sector. Plantation ages range from 6.2 to 21.7 years. Some farmers incorporate annual crops—such as maize (Zea mays), groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea), and yams (Dioscorea alata)—within their cashew plantations. Additionally, tree species like Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea, 51.9%), Parkia biglobosa (Néré, 45.7%), and Mangifera indica (Mango, 34.1%) are retained in orchards for their socio-ecological benefits, including income generation, food security, and medicinal uses. Through farmer interviews and field studies, the research identified 40 plant species integrated into cashew orchards, with nine species preferred by farmers, particularly V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa. The study outlines key strategies for diversifying cashew cropping systems: (i) developing mixed cashew/food crop systems (e.g., maize and yam) using good agricultural practices, (ii) promoting parkland-based cashew agroforestry systems featuring V. paradoxa, P. biglobosa, and M. indica as intercrops, and (iii) creating a conducive environment to facilitate the agroecological transition within the cashew sector. These approaches aim to enhance sustainability while ensuring continued productivity and resilience in cashew farming.
Tag: agricultural practice
Methodological challenges in assessing the viability of agroecological practices: lessons from a multi-case study in Africa
Despite extensive research emphasizing the benefits of agroecology in Africa, its viability remains a subject of debate among policymakers, donors, and scientists. Assessing agroecological viability presents methodological challenges, which have not been systematically documented or addressed. This paper outlines key challenges encountered in evaluating agroecology across 11 case studies in Africa to guide future assessments. Seven major methodological challenges are identified: (i) defining the object of study via practices or agroecological principles, (ii) determining whether assessments should be practice-based or systemic at farm and field scales, (iii) weighing subjective farmer perspectives against “objective” evaluations of viability, (iv) choosing between qualitative and quantitative approaches, (v) conducting diachronic versus synchronic assessments, (vi) opting for a multisite approach versus a single-site study, and (vii) employing context-specific or uniform assessment methods. Findings emphasize the necessity of a multicriteria, systemic approach rooted in farmers’ perspectives, moving beyond conventional quantitative evaluation models. The study advocates for integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to capture farmers’ lived experiences and insights within their farming systems, incorporating transversal and context-specific data.
Use and benefits of tree germplasm from the World Agroforestry genebank for smallholder farmers in Kenya
The World Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Kenya plays a key role in conserving tree genetic diversity, thereby contributing to the delivery of ecosystem services in tree-based production systems. This study explored the benefits of using the two most popular fodder tree species among smallholder farmers, sourced from the ICRAF genebank: Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) and Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia). Through a survey of key informants and genebank users, we examined the benefits derived from the adoption of Calliandra and Gliricidia and the unique role of the ICRAF genebank as the main source of tree germplasm for Kenyan smallholders. The constraints to germplasm access could limit protein fodder supply and the intensity of fertilization in farmers’ fields, which in turn could affect productivity in livestock and maize sectors in Kenya. We find that improved food security, higher incomes, increased milk production, reduced vulnerability to drought, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced soil fertility are identified as the main farmer-perceived benefits linked to the use of Calliandra and Gliricidia. The findings demonstrate the importance of agroforestry in the delivery of ecosystem services, in the light of climate change and heightened pressure for sustainable agricultural practices, and the crucial role of the genebank in conserving and distributing unique, high quality tree germplasm.