A case study for Liberian agroforestry: science and the implementation of a co–management prospectus for agriculture and forestry

Abstract

The climax vegetation of Liberia is a tropical rain forest, and contemporary evaluations say that Liberia has one of the largest remnants of pristine forests in the world. The demand for food, timber, non–timber forest products, and mining, however, is taking a negative toll on the nation’s forest and related natural resources. Moreover, improper implementation of projects and poor management are having precarious effects on land cover, soil fertility, and land productivity. Because of these significant threats, the aim of the research effort is to present a case study that investigates the bicameral contingents of agriculture and forestry on the Liberian biome. This work quantifies the relative effects of forestry and agricultural land uses, how they influence each other, and why they should be addressed concomitantly. The methodology involves use of information secured on Liberia over decades of study of the Country and surrounding areas by the authors and other researchers. Data on rainfall, forest exploitation, traditional farming, rubber production, and reports from Government and donor agencies are analyzed and discussed. In general, the results show that although most agriculture and forestry practices are carried out separately and independently, per policy and by law, the two practices are mutually synergistic and should be managed in concert. Forestry is a major foreign exchange earner, but deforestation is having a negative effect on the land. Agricultural data show that over the years post the Liberian civil war, cassava production has increased, but there is much production variability among rice and other crop plants with, which involves traditional farming that accounts for the massive felling of trees and the opening up of vast forest acreages for farming and other extractive land use practices. All data confirm that Liberia’s land features are fragile, and that every precaution should be taken to protect water, soils and the land via plant cover. Is that practice that must be developed via integrated land use policy for effective resource management and sustainable land use practices. This research work presents corrective scientific and policy measures that should be pursued in managing the land for successful and sustainable agriculture and forestry.