CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The variety of life on earth or its biological diversity is commonly referred to as biodiversity. The number of species of plants, animal, and microorganisms and the enormous diversity of genes in these species in different ecosystems contribute to biodiversity. Conservation of biodiversity is inextricably linked to sustainable development.

Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, has an important role to play. A large number of different plant species means a greater variety of crops. Great species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms. Healthy ecosystem can better withstand of recover from a variety of disasters. Also while we dominate these plants, we still need to preserve the diversity of wild life.

Healthy biodiversity offers diverse benefits including; Protection of water resources, soil formation and protection, nutrient storage of recycling, pollution breakdown and absorption, climate stability and recovery from unpredictable events.

Biodiversity also contribute to; food, medicinal resources of pharmaceutical drugs, wood products, ornamental plant and diversity in genes species of ecosystems. Finally, biodiversity offers social benefits like; research and education, recreation and tourism, and cultural values.

Agro forestry or Agro sylviculture is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pasture land or in conserved natural areas.

It combines agricultural and forestry techniques to create more diverse, positive, portable, healthy, and sustainable land use systems. As a science, the theoretical base for agroforestry comes from ecology, through agroecology, (which is the study of ecological processes that operates in agricultural production systems.) From this perspective, agroforestry is one of the three principal land use sciences. The other two are; Agriculture and forestry.

Agroforestry has a lot to do with intercropping, both have 2 or more plant species (such as Nitrogen fixing plants) in close interaction, both provide multiple output as a consequence, higher overall yield and because a single application or input is shared, costs are reduced. Beyond these, there are gains specific to agro forestry over conventional agriculture and forest production methods, they can offer increased productivity, economic benefits, and more diversity in the ecological goals and services provided.

Biodiversity in agroforestry systems is typically higher than in conventional agricultural systems. With top or more plant species interacting in given area, it creates a more complex habitat that can support wider varieties of birds, insects, and other animals.

Agroforestry has gained a place in Cameroon and because the population is increasing, it is important to get timber, fruits, and agricultural products. In Batibo sub Division, because of limited land, the distribution of agroforestry trees is not uniform across the five villages which raise awareness on a particular agroforestry tree that can be located in particular villages.

What is agro forestry?

There are so many areas that encourage the study of biodiversity. Some of which include;

–           Fauna and Flora International

–           African Conservation Foundation

–           Tree for the Nature

–           Government of Cameroon

–           Ministry of Environment Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development

–           Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

1.2.1 Overall objective

This is to bring to generate information on the richness, and diversity, and distribution of agro forestry trees across Batibo Sub Division.

What are the general objectives?

1.2.2 Specific objectives

1. To find out the different agroforestry species that are found in Batibo Sub Division.
2. To find out the distribution and abundance of agroforestry species in 5 villages of Batibo Sub Division.
3. To create understanding or raise awareness of the uses of agroforestry tree species in the 5 villages of Batibo Sub Division

Check out: Agriculture Project Topics with Materials