Impacts environnementaux et socio-économique de la culture du cacao dans arrondissement de makenene

Abstract

Generally, the development of a crop in a region gives rise to a new dynamic. The district of Makénéné, located in the Mbam and Inoubou department of the Centre region, presents characteristics conducive to cocoa cultivation. Consequently, this district is influenced by this crop. Cocoa cultivation in this area generates productive investments, promotes income creation and redistribution, but also exerts significant pressures on the physical and socioeconomic environment of the local populations. In order to better understand the impact of this crop in this specific locality, this study focuses on the "environmental and socio-economic impacts of cocoa cultivation on the Makénéné district". Its objective is to analyze these impacts and contribute to better management of them in a semi-urban area using a hypothetical deductive approach. To achieve this, data was collected in the field, including direct observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The results revealed that cocoa cultivation contributes to increased incomes for the inhabitants of Makénéné. Diachronic analysis of Landsat images from the years 1992, 2012, and 2022 was used to assess the impact of cocoa cultivation on the physical environment in the Makénéné region. This analysis revealed a decrease in forested areas, including both dense vegetation and shrub vegetation, over time. Initially representing 55% of the area in 1992, dense and shrub vegetation decreased to 47% in 2012 and further to 44% in 2022, a decrease of 11% over a 30-year period. In parallel, areas dedicated to cocoa cultivation increased from 8% in 1992 to 12% in 2022. It is important to note that the remaining 44% resulted from the controlled incorporation of part of the communal forest of Makénéné, in accordance with decree No. 2016/3299/PM of August 16, 2016, allowing controlled exploitation of the forest. Additionally, a classification of soil degradation levels was conducted, distinguishing four classes ranging from low to high degradation levels. The results revealed that the most degraded zone lies along the main axis connecting Yaoundé to Bafoussam, due to anthropogenic pressure and urbanization. Conversely, the lightly degraded zone is located a few kilometers from national road No. 4. The analyses also highlighted the impacts of these activities on the biophysical environment, including air, water, and soil contamination. In light of these various impacts, the implementation of a sustainable management strategy for the various impact-generating activities of cocoa cultivation is strongly recommended. Particularly, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, as well as investing in health, education, and cocoa processing industries, to minimize negative consequences while maximizing the socio-economic benefits of cocoa cultivation in this locality