article · Tropical Conservation Science
Agricultural deforestation poses a significant challenge to biodiversity conservation within the tropical forests of the Congo Basin. This study evaluated empirical evidence from over 600 farms across 12 regions in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to assess farm-level investments in climate-smart conservation agriculture. Using simulated maximum likelihood estimation with a mixed logit model and farmland value models, the research examined how property rights, climate factors, soil types, and socioeconomic factors influence farmers' system choices and profits. The findings indicate that farmers select between three agricultural systems to maximise profits within their environmental and land tenure contexts. Climate-smart conservation agricultural techniques improve smallholder crop yields, soil health, and moisture retention. Furthermore, secure rights to access, manage, and exclude others from land and trees directly determine agricultural system choices, land values, and conservation outcomes.
Balancing agricultural food production with forest conservation is vital for addressing climate change in the Congo Basin. By showing that secure property rights encourage farmers to adopt climate-smart practices, this research helps policymakers and environmental organisations design rural development programmes that simultaneously protect tropical biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and improve smallholder farmers' incomes.
The findings can inform agricultural extension programmes, development funders, and policy interventions seeking to scale climate-smart practices and agroforestry in Central Africa. As an empirical study based on field data, the insights are applied and tested, but the abstract does not indicate any direct product, technical tool, or near-market commercial pathway.
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Background and Research Aims: Agriculture through deforestation is an important threat to biodiversity conservation in the Congo Basin’s tropical forest. The policy challenge is not only to promote adaptation to perceived climate change but also to promote forest conservation. The aim of this study is to provide empirical evidence on the impact of farm-level investments in climate-smart agricultural practices related to conservation agriculture in some Congo Basin countries. The hypothesis is that property rights to land and trees play a fundamental role in governing the patterns of investment, forestland management for conservation, as well as in the profitability of agriculture. Methods: A Simulated Maximum Likelihood Estimation using a Mixed Logit model is used to test farmers’ choice of agricultural system and a farmland value model for each agricultural system which includes determinants of tenure or property rights, climate, soils, and socioeconomic variables such as education and gender. The data was collected from more than 600 farms covering 12 regions and 45 divisions in 3 countries, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Results: Farmers choose one of three agricultural systems to maximize farm profit mindful of the current tenure regime and environmental conditions. Conservation agriculture techniques within climate-smart practices show benefits for smallholder farmers through improvements in soil health, soil moisture retention and enhanced crop yields. The rights to access, withdraw, manage, as well as exclude others from land and trees affect both the farmers' choice of system and the profit earned from the chosen system. Conclusion: Farm-level investments improve farm incomes and enhance conservation effort for farmers perceiving climate change. Implications for Conservation: Climate change adaptation through planting of trees improves soil stability, restores ecosystems and creates a safe haven for biodiversity. Secure land tenure promotes better forestland management and reduces land degradation in vulnerable communities.
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DOI: 10.1177/19400829231169980
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