Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 268 women in the Sous-préfecture of Kokumbo in central Côte d’Ivoire, in order to provide information on the role of women in the gathering, processing and marketing of products from species associated with cocoa trees in agroforestry systems. These interviews were coupled with direct observations alongside the women involved. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the investigations indicated that the majority of women (74.25%) of age to collect products from cocoa agroforests are between 16 and 50 years old. Over 65% of the women were illiterate, and 31.34% were heads of cocoa farms. The majority (41.05%) of women surveyed are actively involved in harvesting the associated products. Product processing in the study area is carried out entirely by women (100%). Processed products enable women to make better use of their produce. Also, it is during the lean season that the products bring in the most profit. Harvested produce is used primarily for household food consumption, with the surplus sold on the market. Income from the sale of cocoa products contributes to improving household living conditions, and also to the financial empowerment of women, while preserving the forest. The domestication of certain associated products should be envisaged by the women in order to have them available all year round for household consumption and eventual commercialization.

Situated at the “heart” of Abidjan, the National Park of Banco (NPB), is the rare relics of moist dense rainforests, coveted everywhere. Therefore, the present study suggests estimating the structure of the vegetation of this protected area in consideration of the demographic pressure and the urbanization. To achieve, the National Parc of Banco has been subdivided into four (4) sectors (North, West, Central and East). Linear transects of 500 m long and 10 m wide were installed in the sectors. Along these transects, all woody species with dbh ≥ 10 cm were inventoried in the sectors. Depending on the dbh measurement, individuals were grouped into different diameter classes. The floristic inventory revealed a total of 146 woody species divided into 111 genera and belonging to 21 families. The Meliaceae family is the most abundant species. The density of the trees of the park was estimated at 257 individuals/ha with an average of 19.31 to 31.45 individuals/ha about the sector. Concerning the basal area of the PNB, it was estimated at 40.59 m²/ha. Furthermore, this study revealed the most abundant of individuals with a dbh belonging to the lower classes of diameter on those of the superior classes, with a preponderance of microphanerophytes and mesophanerophytes. Although the PNB is coveted everywhere, the results of this study reveal that it still has a relatively well-preserved structural diversity.

Chimpanzees communities depend highly on plant resources availability and the stability of their habitats. To characterize the territories of chimpanzees living in Taï National Park, this study aimed to analyze species diversity and structural parameters of these habitats. Rectangular transect of 93 ha were established in three chimpanzee territories. On each transect, trees with dbh ≥ 10 cm were identified, measured, and counted. Two hundred sixty four (264) plant species belonging to 180 genera and 52 botanical families were recorded in the three territories. The most important families are Ebenaceae, Fabaceae, and Malvaceae. The dominant plant species are Diospyros mannii, Calpocalyx brevibracteatus, and Coula edulis. The chimpanzees feed on the leaves and fruits of these three species. The studied territories present a density (486.5 individuals/ha) and a basal area (30.88 m2/ha) similar to those of most of tropical forests. Vegetation structure reveals that those habitats are stable with high regeneration capacity. By contributing to a best knowledge of chimpanzees’ habitats, this study establishes a scientific base for their communities monitoring in the Taï National Park.