Enhancing Climate Resilience in Cocoa Farming through Shade Tree Selection

A study from the University of Göttingen examines the role of leaf phenology in shade trees to enhance climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems in West Africa. The research identifies key functional groups of shade trees that impact cocoa productivity and microclimatic conditions, emphasizing the importance of species selection based on leaf cycles to combat the effects of climate change on cocoa farming.

Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees and shrubs into farming landscapes, play a crucial role in fostering sustainable cocoa production, particularly in West Africa, where approximately 70 percent of the world’s cocoa is produced. Climate change-induced drought intensifies the necessity for adaptive farming practices and innovative approaches. A significant study conducted by researchers from the University of Göttingen emphasizes the importance of leaf phenology—seasonal changes in leaf cycles—in understanding how shade trees contribute to managing climatic impacts on cocoa production. This research reveals that the seasonal leaf cycles of shade trees can enhance the productivity and resilience of cocoa agroforestry systems amidst global environmental changes.

The study was conducted in the cocoa-growing region of northern Ghana over two years, involving teams from universities in Germany and Ghana. The researchers closely monitored the seasonal changes in the leaf cycles of various shade tree species, assessing their canopy height and light interception during both wet and dry seasons. The impact of these shade trees on microclimatic stability, soil moisture, and cocoa yields in their proximity was thoroughly analyzed. Subsequently, the research team classified the shade trees into seven functional groups based on their leaf phenological cycles, each exhibiting distinct influences on cocoa yields and environmental stability.

The findings highlight that shade trees that completely shed their leaves during the dry season are particularly beneficial for maintaining soil moisture—an essential factor during drought periods critical for sustaining cocoa productivity. In contrast, trees with shorter leaf loss periods demand more soil water resources, which could be detrimental in regions subject to prolonged dry seasons. Evergreen trees are advantageous in moderate climates, yet they present increased risks of fungal diseases in wetter environments.

“By using functional groupings based on leaf phenology, rather than focusing on the huge number of individual species, we offer practical guidelines for selecting shade trees that support climate resilient cocoa production,” stated Dr. Munir Hoffmann from the Faculty of Agriculture, Göttingen University. Lead author Dr. Issaka Abdulai emphasized that this research sheds light on the significance of leaf phenology as a guiding trait for selecting shade trees that would elevate cocoa resilience to climate change.

Professor Reimund Rötter, the head of the research group, noted, “We have shown that, if chosen judiciously, shade trees can be allies in both sustaining cocoa productivity and enhancing environmental stability.” The study underscores a clear pathway for designing agroforestry systems that promise enhanced resilience and sustainability in cocoa farming. Such research was made possible by funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Cocoa farming is a significant agricultural activity in West Africa, responsible for providing a major portion of the world’s cocoa supply. However, climate change poses a severe threat to cocoa production, particularly through drought, which necessitates the exploration of effective farming practices. Agroforestry, characterized by the integration of trees into crop production systems, is increasingly recognized as a sustainable approach to enhancing agricultural resilience, mitigating climate impacts, and improving yields.

This research contributes to understanding the role of shade trees in cocoa agroforestry and presents practical strategies for enhancing climate resilience. By categorizing shade trees based on their leaf phenology, farmers can make informed decisions that help sustain cocoa productivity while adapting to environmental changes. The findings advocate for a systematic approach to agroforestry that aligns ecological stability with agricultural sustainability in cocoa farming.

Original Source: www.eurekalert.org