In 2014, a cultivation project was started in Tiassalé, Ivory Coast, financed by Fredy Hiestand and directed by Johann Dähler. ECOTOP was commissioned for the installation and agricultural support of the project. On an area of 60 hectares, on which pineapple in monoculture was grown for more than 30 years, the degraded savanna site is to be reintroduced into a productive forest ecosystem through the application of the principles of dynamic agroforestry.
Cocoa Cultivation: Cocoa trees are planted in rows spaced 3 meters apart, with 4 meters between rows, resulting in a density of approximately 833 trees per hectare.
Intercropping: Between the cocoa rows, savanna grass (Panicum maximum) is cultivated for biomass production, which is regularly cut and used as mulch for the cocoa trees.
Diverse Plantings: The system integrates banana, cashew, various fruit trees, high-quality timber species, and oil palms among the cocoa trees. Additionally, rubber trees are planted at intervals of 16 meters by 6 meters, creating synergies between rubber, cashew, oil palm, and cocoa cultivation.
A 2019 assessment by ETH Zurich master’s students revealed several positive outcomes:
Soil Improvement: Within four years, the dynamic agroforestry approach led to higher nutrient concentrations, reduced soil compaction, and increased water-holding capacity.
Enhanced Biodiversity: The plantation exhibited a rich diversity of plants, insects, and birds, contributing to a more resilient ecosystem.
Microclimate Benefits: The diverse plant canopy provided shade, resulting in cooler temperatures and a more comfortable environment compared to nearby monoculture plantations.
