Feasibility of buffer zone agroforestry farming practices in the conservation of mangrove ecosystems: A case study assessment from some local communities in Central African coastal zone, South Western Cameroon

Mangroves (stretch of intertidal tropical and subtropical forests between inland coastal forests and the sea) are being exploited at a rate that is unprecedented, there is loss of biodiversity because of conflicting and unsuitable uses. This study was aimed at promoting the protection of mangrove and associated coastal forests within Tiko and Limbe III municipalities in south western Cameroon, Central Africa via the contribution of buffer zone agroforestry. Representative traditionally dominant agricultural land use sites were surveyed for the identification and analysis of farming practices using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA). Data collected (qualitative and quantitative) were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Out of twelve (12) agroforestry practices currently carried out by farmers under three widely dominant classic agroforestry systems (agri-silvicultural – plantation and non-plantation, silvo-pastoral and agri-silvo-pastoral systems), 5 of them under plantation and non-plantation systems (palms on crops lands, cocoa-based, rubber on crop lands, scattered trees on farmland and home gardens) were considered climate smart agroforestry practices. The maximum diameter, density, height and crown diameter of trees were dominant in the cocoa-based except for the mango-based which had the maximum tree height. The tree size class for poles (≥10cm to <30cm) was dominant in the 5 practices. For a more inclusive green economy and climate smart agriculture, some improvements on tree density, shade management and choice of multi-purpose trees species (Cedrela sepium, Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala and fruit trees) for vital functions such as firewood, soil improvement, medicine, food and construction are advocated to enhance sustainable exploitation of adjacent coastal forests thus protecting mangrove. Moreover, on account of resultant stable tree species, structural and use diversity of adjacent coastal forests, further make buffer agroforestry to hold promise for the conservation of fragile and vulnerable mangroves. There is therefore also need to expand the present study in other mangrove areas especially the mangroves of Cameroon Estuary which is the major deforestation hotspot in Cameroon.