Recommendations for enhancing the biodiversity and spatial structure of Cacao plantations

The study determined floristic composition in a Tropical Moist Rainforest and cacao plantation in Nigeria. This was with a view to understanding whether cacao plantations are capable of maintaining plant species biodiversity comparable to that of the natural forests they replaced.

The study was carried out in 0.0625 ha sample plots, three each in natural forests and cacao plantations, adjacent to each other, in Ile-Oluji, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. In each plot, all plant species (herbs, climbers and trees) were identified and girth sizes of all woody species measured at breast height. Herbaceous species composition was determined by randomly laying ten 1 m x 1m quadrats in each plot. The herbaceous species in each quadrat was identified and counted to determine the density. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

The results showed that forest vegetation had higher species richness (90), basal area (20.06 m² ha^-1yr^-1), and diversity (3.14) than those of cacao plantation (53; 15.54 and 1.93 respectively). This study concluded that the natural forests have higher plant species diversity than cacao plantations though the cacao plantations have reasonable plant species biodiversity. Thus clearing forests to establish cacao plantations should be reconsidered because of its adverse effect on plant species diversity biodiversity. However, effective management practices that focuses on diversity within plantation can help conserve biodiversity and sustain livelihood of local farmer.