Women's preferences for associated species in cocoa-based agroforestry systems and their uses in the Kokumbo Sub-Prefecture (Côte d'Ivoire)

Due to their multiple uses, species associated with cocoa trees have an important socio-economic and environmental value for women in Central Côte d'Ivoire. Based on surveys followed by an inventory carried out in six villages of the Sous-Préfecture of Kokumbo, this study assesses women's preference for cocoa companion species using the pebble distribution method, in order to quantify the value accorded by the latter according to their various uses. A total of 79 plant species were identified, divided into 67 genera and 31 families. These species associated with cocoa trees have an explicit value for women, as they meet the vital needs of farming households, such as self-consumption (43.32%), sale (35.21%), shade (7.53%), timber and firewood (7.15%). Using the pebble distribution method, we have highlighted the most important species associated with cocoa trees for women. For self-consumption, we have Dioscorea spp with 29.47% and Musa paradisiaca (18%). They attribute a high commercial value to Musa paradisiaca (25%) and Persea americana (21%). They also prefer species that provide good shade for cocoa trees, such as Ceiba pentandra (19.74%) and Milicia excelsa (11.30%). Those that provide good firewood and energy, such as Milicia excelsa (28%) and Albizia zygia (19%). Domestication of the tree and shrub species most appreciated by farmers could stimulate their regeneration. The marketing of products from cocoa agroforests could enable women to acquire financial autonomy in order to improve the living conditions of their households in general and those of their children in particular.