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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Biodiversity is recognized as an essential part of sustainable development efforts, however reducing biodiversity
loss is a key global challenge that requires updated data on biodiversity status at different scales. Cocoa agroforests include tree species besides cocoa, a practice beneficial to biodiversity, ecosystem conservation and
farming households. We present a stepwise procedure to test and select a method that rapidly assesses biodiversity in cocoa agroforests based primarily on species richness and counts of non-cocoa trees. Three rapid
assessment methodologies (RapidBAM) with different sampling procedures were tested in three phases: calibration, testing and evaluation. Results showed the method using the lowest number of sample plots with a
minimum area coverage and a consistent sampling time (regardless of farm context) provided the most accurate
and straightforward assessment. Farmers accurately reported qualitatively on species, complimenting quantitative data produced by RapidBAM. Collecting biodiversity data with RapidBAM proved valuable to collect data
at large-scales and is applicable to different landscapes. Monitoring biodiversity with fewer required resources
than conventional methods is a relevant outcome, which can help defining efficient biodiversity-friendly farming
practices.
Description
Keywords
Biodiversity Agroforestry Cocoa Rapid assessment Ghana
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Raneri, J. E., Oliveira, S., Demers, N. R. [et al.] (2021). A rapid tree diversity assessment method for cocoa agroforestry systems. Ecological Indicators, 130, 107993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107993
Publisher
Elsevier