Biological diversity of agroforestry species in the socioeconomic context of producers in the Barh-kh Department, Southern Chad: Case of Kissimi, Mayel and Badara villages

Abstract

This study aims to better understand the woody biodiversity and the relationship between the state of tree cover in the Agroforestry Park and the management units, and also to know the socioeconomic role played by the trees of the parks. The study was conducted in 3 villages in Barh-kôh Department, Chad, between May and November 2018. A plot of 2500 m 2 has been materialized in each management unit and the species found there are inventoried. Average per hectare is 37 feet in the bush fields, 27 feet in the village fields and 23 feet in the box fields. The study showed a cut rate of 87% among the wealthy classes against 82% among the poor. Tree cutting is more important in hut fields where only 5% of trees are spared. This study shows that agroforestry seems to be the technique conducive to the conservation of ligneous diversity. By virtue of its environmental and socioeconomic contributions, this traditional agricultural practice could be part of the logic of sustainable agriculture. Also, by building the agroforestry parks, they will endow the agrarian systems with wood production capital with multiple associated functions.