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Assessing Land Use and Land Cover Change and Farmers’ Perceptions of Deforestation and Land Degradation in South-West Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

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  • Jean-Luc Kouassi

    (Laboratoire Science, Société et Environnement (LSSE), Unité Mixte de Recherche et d’Innovation Sciences Agronomiques et Génie Rural (UMRI-28), Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB), P.O. Box 1093, Yamoussoukro BP 1093, Côte d’Ivoire)

  • Amos Gyau

    (World Bank Group, Independence Avenue, King Hassan Rd, Plot No. 3, Ridge, Accra, Ghana)

  • Lucien Diby

    (World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Côte d’Ivoire Country Programme, 08 P.O. Box 2823 Abidjan 08, Angré 7e Tranche, Cocody, Abidjan BP 2823, Côte d’Ivoire)

  • Yeboi Bene

    (World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Côte d’Ivoire Country Programme, 08 P.O. Box 2823 Abidjan 08, Angré 7e Tranche, Cocody, Abidjan BP 2823, Côte d’Ivoire)

  • Christophe Kouamé

    (World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Côte d’Ivoire Country Programme, 08 P.O. Box 2823 Abidjan 08, Angré 7e Tranche, Cocody, Abidjan BP 2823, Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Deforestation and land degradation remain two major economic and environmental threats in Côte d’Ivoire. This study assessed land use and land cover (LULC) change and farmers’ perceptions of the drivers and effects of deforestation and land degradation in south-western Côte d’Ivoire. We used remotely sensed data to determine LULC change trends, and a household survey to collect farmers’ perceptions of deforestation and land degradation. A total of 411 households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and the focus group discussions involved 25 farmers. Landsat image analysis reported a drastic LULC change and a conversion of forestlands into agriculture from 1987 to 2015 at a rate of 1.44%/year and 3.44%/year for dense forests and degraded forests, respectively. The household survey revealed that the major causes of deforestation perceived by farmers included population growth (79.3%), extensive agriculture (72.9%), migration (54.2%) and logging (47.7%). Land degradation evolved, from a shortened fallow period (46.7%) and an inappropriate application of inputs (31.4%). The perceived major effects linked to deforestation encompassed land degradation (70.6%), loss of biodiversity (63.8%), global warming (56.9%) and loss of livelihood assets (54.3%). Therefore, this study recommends participatory landscape planning, reforestation and capacity building of stakeholders for sustainable intensification of the production systems to reduce LULC challenges for enhanced productive and protective functions of remaining forests.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean-Luc Kouassi & Amos Gyau & Lucien Diby & Yeboi Bene & Christophe Kouamé, 2021. "Assessing Land Use and Land Cover Change and Farmers’ Perceptions of Deforestation and Land Degradation in South-West Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-25, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:10:y:2021:i:4:p:429-:d:537686
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abdulai, Issaka & Hoffmann, Munir P. & Jassogne, Laurence & Asare, Richard & Graefe, Sophie & Tao, Hsiao-Hang & Muilerman, Sander & Vaast, Philippe & Van Asten, Piet & Läderach, Peter & Rötter, Reimun, 2020. "Variations in yield gaps of smallholder cocoa systems and the main determining factors along a climate gradient in Ghana," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
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    3. Mark Appiah & Dominic Blay & Lawrence Damnyag & Francis Dwomoh & Ari Pappinen & Olavi Luukkanen, 2009. "Dependence on forest resources and tropical deforestation in Ghana," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 11(3), pages 471-487, June.
    4. Shackleton, Charlie M. & Shackleton, Sheona E. & Buiten, Erik & Bird, Neil, 2007. "The importance of dry woodlands and forests in rural livelihoods and poverty alleviation in South Africa," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 9(5), pages 558-577, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kumeh, Eric Mensah & Bieling, Claudia & Birner, Regina, 2022. "Food-security corridors: A crucial but missing link in tackling deforestation in Southwestern Ghana," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    2. Kouassi Jean-Luc & Wandan Narcisse & Mbow Cheikh, 2022. "Observed climate trends, perceived impacts and community adaptation practices in Côte d’Ivoire," Environmental & Socio-economic Studies, Sciendo, vol. 10(3), pages 43-58, September.

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