The Ecological And Agricultural Impact Of Parkia Biglobosa On Groundnut Yields In Lower Casamance
Ibrahima Cheikh Sagna
Department of Geography, Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor, Ziguinchor, Senegal
Mamadou Lamine Diatta
Department of Geography, Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor, Ziguinchor, Senegal
Abstract
Since the 1990s, the groundnut sector in Casamance has experienced a profound crisis, characterized by a marked decline in production and the destabilization of local agricultural systems. This downturn is attributed to a combination of interrelated challenges, including severe soil degradation, the deterioration of seed quality, and the escalating impacts of climate change. Among the critical factors exacerbating this crisis is the widespread destruction of trees, driven by the need to expand settlements and secure more arable land. This practice has undermined soil fertility, disrupted ecological balances, and weakened the sustainability of groundnut cultivation.
This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the groundnut sector crisis in Casamance, with particular attention to the historical context and the multifaceted nature of the challenges involved. Drawing from both historical sources and recent studies, the research examines how the destruction of tree cover has played a central role in aggravating soil erosion, reducing agricultural productivity, and contributing to long-term environmental degradation
Beyond immediate production losses, the study highlights the broader ecological and socio-economic consequences of the crisis. These include the loss of biodiversity, declining ecosystem services, and the weakening of livelihoods dependent on groundnut farming. By tracing the evolution of the crisis and identifying its root causes, the research aims to inform strategic policy responses and sustainable land management practices.
The insights gained from this analysis are essential for developing targeted interventions that address both environmental and agricultural dimensions of the crisis. Ultimately, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse on resilience and sustainability in West African agriculture under changing environmental conditions