Feasibility of buffer zone agroforestry farming practices in the conservation of mangrove ecosystems: A case study assessment from some local communities in Central African coastal zone, South Western Cameroon

Mangroves (stretch of intertidal tropical and subtropical forests between inland coastal the sea) are being exploited at a rate that is unprecedented, there loss biodiversity because conflicting unsuitable uses. This study was aimed promoting protection mangrove associated within Tiko Limbe III municipalities in south western Cameroon, Central Africa via contribution buffer zone agroforestry. Representative traditionally dominant agricultural land use sites were surveyed for identification analysis farming practices using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA). Data collected (qualitative quantitative) subjected to descriptive inferential statistics. Out twelve (12) agroforestry currently carried out by farmers under three widely classic systems (agri-silvicultural – plantation non-plantation, silvo-pastoral agri-silvo-pastoral systems), 5 them non-plantation (palms on crops lands, cocoa-based, rubber crop scattered trees farmland home gardens) considered climate smart practices. The maximum diameter, density, height crown diameter cocoa-based except mango-based which had tree height. size class poles (≥10cm <30cm) For more inclusive green economy agriculture, some improvements shade management choice multi-purpose species (Cedrela sepium, Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala fruit trees) vital functions such as firewood, soil improvement, medicine, food construction advocated enhance sustainable exploitation adjacent thus protecting mangrove. Moreover, account resultant stable species, structural diversity forests, further make hold promise conservation fragile vulnerable mangroves. There therefore also need expand present other areas especially mangroves Cameroon Estuary major deforestation hotspot Cameroon.