Influence of age and cropping system on tree population structure in South West Ghana

Timber tree recruitment and retention was assessed within cocoa farms and mixed perennial farms of varying age classes in south western Ghana. The rationale was to be able to understand the pattern of change in timber tree populations within farms, as well as identify the extent to which farm management activities explain these changes. Each farm was sub-categorized according to farm age into Phase I (farm age < 5 years), Phase II (farm age > 5 years) and Phase III (abandoned farms). Density and species richness of mature trees, that is with diameter at breast height (DBH) above 5 cm and regeneration (DBH of 5 cm and below) were determined while height, DBH and crown area were measured for only mature trees. About 96 farmers were also selected from 16 communities in the study area and interviewed.