Agricultural Techniques and Impacts on Biodiversity

Abstract

This study aims to objectify the impact of the use of traditional agricultural techniques on biodiversity, in particular on the disappearance of plant and animal species. The data presented here come from a socio-environmental survey conducted in the central Moungo region in 2013-2014 and whose data collection was done through questionnaires, field observations and semi-structured interviews. The analysis of maps of the region at different periods (2001, 2007, and 2013) in order to understand the evolution of the vegetation cover completed our methodology. From the analysis of the data, it appears that the agricultural techniques used (slash-and-burn agriculture, plowing, regular polyculture, excessive use of pesticides) by farmers in Mélong have an impact on biodiversity in that they contribute to the decline of vegetation, soil depletion and the disappearance of certain plant and animal species. In conclusion, we believe that farmers should take their environment into account when developing their farming techniques, and thus practice sustainable agriculture.