BENEFITS FROM TREE SPECIES’ DIVERSIFICATION IN COCOA AGROFORESTS IN THE CENTRE REGION OF CAMEROON

Abstract

This paper analyses the profitability of cocoa farmers in the Centre region of Cameroon who wish to diversify their activity by associating inside their orchards several species of domestic fruit trees. Hence, by using linear programming and financial appraisal tools, eight agroforest systems are compared in order to deduct the most beneficial one. The results show that, priority should be given to the most enriched agroforest (Cocoa+Safout+Mango+Ndjansang) which is the most beneficial/productive one for resources use. It provides the highest Net Present Value (19,398 Euros/ha), Internal Rate of Return (52.7%) and Benefit Cost Ratio (8.20) as well as the shortest Pay Back Period (4 years), confirming that it is the most beneficial combination. Hence, to earn higher income, farmers should adopt the most diversified agroforest and the government should encourage trees’ regeneration and cocoa farm extension.