Dynamics of rubber cultivation in production systems in mountain zone of Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

In Côte d'Ivoire, rubber cultivation is experiencing spectacular development. With land saturation in its traditional growing zones, rubber trees increasingly occupies new regions, including the west of the country. The objective of this study is to assess the place of rubber trees in the dynamics of production systems in the semi-mountainous region of western Côte d'Ivoire. This study was carried out through a survey carried out among nearly 402 rubber planters from the Tonkpi region and part of the Guemon region. A semi-open questionnaire was used to collect data, particularly those relating to the profile of the farmer and the relationships that prevail between rubber trees and other crops. Data analyzes have shown that the total area of production systems is 2758.12 ha, or 6.86 ha per farmer, and that of rubber trees is 1268.69 ha, or 2.41 ha per farmer. The average age of rubber fields is 8 years in 2019. Rubber plots were established between 1990 and 2019, of which 84 pc between 2007 and 2015. Planters use perennial polyculture in 76.87 pc of cases. Rubber cultivation occupies 46 p.c. of cultivated areas with coffee (45.63 p.c.) as the dominant previous crop. The rubber tree is grown in combination in 67.87 p.c. of cultural situations. Food crops are mostly (86.83 p.c.) used in associations. Rubber cultivation occupies half of the production system in western Côte d'Ivoire and the relations which prevail between rubber trees and the other components of this system are, on the one part, relations of substitution of rubber for perennial cultures (Coffee) and on the other part relations of association with food crops.