Towards cocoa farming that benefits birds and communities

We aim to make cocoa agriculture more bird-friendly by pursuing three objectives: first, alongside Ivorian researchers, we will investigate which specific actions can be taken in cocoa farms to promote bird populations, such as inter-cropping cocoa with species of shade trees that support high bird diversity. Then, we will implement these actions in a selection of farms in Côte d’Ivoire. Third, through strong collaboration with local partners we will strengthen capacity of farmers and cooperative workers in order to ensure that bird-friendly production is sustainable and locally-driven.

Through collaboration with Ivorian ornithologists, we will survey birds in a range of cocoa plantations over 2 years, covering 2 winter seasons when migrants are present. Surveys will include visual sightings and acoustic detections of bird species, and scientists will record which shade trees are being used by birds for foraging. These data will be combined with data acquired from local cooperatives on farm productivity and management. Data analyses will allow us to identify optimal management actions, which we will then implement in a range of farms with the help of cooperative networks.

Cocoa is the fastest expanding export-oriented crop in Africa; with increased consumption, especially from northern countries such as Switzerland, more and more land in West Africa is being converted to agriculture. However, cocoa plantations can be maintained in a way that benefits both biodiversity and human populations: wild animals such as birds, bats and insects provide important services in cocoa plantations such as controlling pest populations and pollination. Thus, farms managed for biodiversity can also result in higher and more sustainable yields for local farmers.

Shade tree density in our study farms ranges from 11 to 44 trees/Ha, with a diversity of 3-9 species/Ha. Recommendations for wildlife-friendly cocoa are 100 shade trees/Ha with a diversity of 10 species/Ha. Therefore, we are conducting a program of seedling distribution, with the goal to bring farms closer to these wildlife-friendly guidelines. Currently, we are growing > 9 000 shade tree seedlings of species known to be beneficial for both wildlife and cocoa agriculture. These seedlings will be distributed to farmers and their survival in the farms will be monitored. Bird surveys have thus far detected 109 different bird species, 13 of which are migratory. Researchers are collecting samples for further analyses (pollutants in feathers, dietary niche), as well as conducting an observational study to determine the shade trees most frequented by birds.

Previous studies have shown that African cocoa farms serve as non-breeding habitat for migratory birds such as the Wood warbler. Additionally, scientists have quantified the effect of insectivorous wild animals in African cocoa farms, finding that under low-intensity management these animals save farmers up to 440 CHF per hectare per year, by controlling pest populations. These services can outweigh short-term benefits of agricultural intensification. Therefore, there is potential for win-win scenarios where birds are conserved in plantations thus promoting natural processes that boost yields.

• Prof. Hilaire Yaokokoré-Béïbro, and his research group, at Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
• Group Anouanzè cocoa cooperative, lead by Mr Daouda Kouakou
• Groupe National de Travail pour la gestion durable des forêts et la certification forestière de Côte d’Ivoire (GNT-CI)

• Anonymous Foundation