Case Study 2.1
Conservation of tree species diversity in cocoa agroforests in Nigeria

This case study allows students to explore the role that cocoa agroforests may play in conserving tree species diversity. The exercise considers the overall question of ‘Can cocoa agroforests be important for conserving native tree species and if so what measures need to be taken to ensure they persist?’ The case study presents information from research in cocoa farms and forest reserves in Nigeria. It focuses on comparing levels of tree species diversity found in native forests and cocoa agroforests. In particular, it raises issues of different measures of diversity and considerations of whether important species are conserved.

The exercise suits 1-3 groups of 4-5 students per group. Some groups present a case for the conservation benefits in terms of tree species diversity in the cocoa agroforests of Nigeria, while others derive an action plan to ensure optimum conservation benefits in terms of tree species diversity in the cocoa agroforests of Nigeria.