Exploring Cocoa Agroforestry: Enhancing Climate Resilience with CID Bio-Science Tools

Cocoa farming is a vital industry in West Africa, accounting for nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa production. Climate change poses significant challenges to this sector, making research into sustainable farming practices critical. Dr. Issaka Abdulai, a researcher at the University of Göttingen in Germany, has dedicated his career to understanding how cocoa agroforestry systems can adapt to climate change.

His work, funded by the prestigious German Research Foundation (DFG), focuses on optimizing shade tree selection to enhance cocoa resilience, and he has integrated CID Bio-Science instruments into his research to better understand the complex interactions within cocoa ecosystems. His research has been enriched by the valuable mentorship and collaborative environment at the University of Göttingen.

Dr. Abdulai’s Research Journey and Personal Connection to Cocoa Farming

Dr. Abdulai’s interest in cocoa farming is deeply personal, rooted in his upbringing on a cocoa farm in Ghana. His father worked as a laborer on cocoa farms before establishing his own farm, which Abdulai’s brother now manages with Abdulai’s support. This upbringing instilled in Abdulai a passion for agriculture that shaped his academic and professional pursuits.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, he pursued a master’s in forestry and later earned a Ph.D. in cocoa agroforestry and climate resilience at the University of Göttingen. His research examines how shade trees, a key component of cocoa agroforestry, impact soil moisture, drought resilience, and overall ecosystem health.

During Abdulai’s Ph.D. research, a severe drought in Ghana significantly affected cocoa production. While this event was unfortunate for farmers, it provided valuable insights into how different shade tree species influence drought resilience in cocoa plants. His findings revealed that certain species can compete with cocoa for water, reducing soil moisture and negatively affecting cocoa yields.

“My research showed that while shade trees can provide climate benefits, not all species are suitable for cocoa resilience under extreme drought conditions,” Abdulai explained. These findings have shaped his subsequent research, which aims to identify shade tree species that support drought adaptation in cocoa farms.

See Dr. Abdulai’s research here.

Integrating CID Bio-Science Instruments

Dr. Abdulai’s current research explores the functional traits of shade trees to determine which species enhance climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems. CID Bio-Science instruments play a crucial role in this work, helping him gather accurate data on root structures, soil moisture, and other key factors. Abdulai shared details on how these instruments are used and their impact on his research.

CID Bio-Science Root Imager

The CID Root Imager is central to Abdulai’s studies, allowing him to observe root dynamics under various soil conditions. By installing 40 root tubes across different farms, Abdulai and his team have been able to track root growth, distribution, and seasonal changes.

“The root imager helps us understand how root functioning changes with soil texture and seasonal moisture variations,” Abdulai noted. This tool has provided valuable insights into how different shade tree species interact with cocoa roots, influencing water uptake and soil moisture retention.

Soil Sensors

In addition to devices from CID Bio-Science, soil sensors installed alongside the root tubes measure soil moisture, temperature, and humidity. These sensors capture real-time data every hour, helping Abdulai study below-ground processes in relation to shade tree phenology.

The soil sensors allow for continuous monitoring of soil conditions, enabling Abdulai to correlate root activity with soil drying patterns and climate changes. “Understanding the moisture dynamics in sandy versus loamy soils is critical for selecting shade tree species that enhance water conservation in cocoa farms,” he explained.

Light Sensors and Microclimate Sensors

Light and microclimate sensors are installed to measure light availability, temperature, and humidity in the cocoa landscape. These devices help Abdulai assess how shade tree phenology affects the microclimate for cocoa plants.

By providing a clearer picture of light conditions and temperature fluctuations under different shade trees, these sensors contribute to a more holistic understanding of how various species impact cocoa growth and resilience. “The data from these sensors helps us identify shade trees that create favorable microclimatic conditions for cocoa, even during droughts,” Abdulai said.

Key Findings from the Research

One of Abdulai’s recent studies, set to be published in Agricultural Ecosystems and Environment, categorizes shade trees into functional groups based on their phenological traits. He identified seven groups, ranging from evergreen species to trees with varying degrees of deciduousness.

Abdulai’s findings suggest that fully deciduous shade trees, which shed leaves during the dry season, are better suited for marginal cocoa-growing areas prone to drought. These trees reduce water competition and improve light conditions for cocoa plants, enhancing their drought resilience.

“In regions facing severe drought risks, integrating deciduous shade trees can significantly improve cocoa productivity and sustainability,” Abdulai concluded.

Challenges and Future Directions

While the initial phase of the research has ended, Abdulai continues to collect data to refine his understanding of cocoa agroforestry systems. He plans to expand the use of the root imager and soil sensors to test additional hypotheses about nutrient cycling and root-mycorrhizal interactions.

Abdulai also aims to explore the role of mycorrhizae in cocoa resilience. He has observed potential ectomycorrhizal fungi in root images but notes that little is known about their typology and functioning in cocoa agroforestry. His upcoming proposal seeks to investigate these interactions, further advancing cocoa resilience research.

Final Word

Dr. Issaka Abdulai’s research exemplifies the critical role of scientific innovation in enhancing agricultural sustainability. By integrating CID Bio-Science instruments into his studies, Abdulai has advanced our understanding of cocoa agroforestry’s potential for climate resilience. His work, supported by the prestigious DFG and collaborative efforts at the University of Göttingen, not only contributes to the scientific community but also offers practical solutions for smallholder cocoa farmers facing climate challenges.

As Abdulai moves into the next phase of his research, his findings will likely play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable cocoa production practices in West Africa and beyond.

For more information on the CID Bio-Science Root imager, click here.