Drivers of Land Degradation in Trays Ecosystems as Modulated under a Changing Climate: A Case Study of Ivory Coast

Abstract

This dissertation aims to analyse the economic impact of land degradation and how to reverse its negative trend on farmers' well-being in the trays ecosystem in Cote d’Ivoire under changing climate. Specifically, this thesis aims to i) identify the key drivers of land degradation; ii) evaluate the reduction of net farmers' income due to land degradation; and iii) identify the determinants of simultaneous adoption of sustainable land management practices in the trays ecosystem. The study used quantitative techniques with primary data obtained from farmers through questionnaires. The logistic model, Instrumental variable (Two-stage least square), and multivariate probit regression are used to deal with our specific objectives. From the results, climate variables such as temperature and precipitation play an important role in land degradation and the simultaneous adoption of sustainable land management practices. At the same time, soil organic matter reduction is responsible for the economic impact of land degradation. Considering the importance of agricultural sector in GDP formation and the fact that land degradation is responsible for many issues like food insecurity, migration, conflict, etc., in the country, it is primordial to reverse its negative trend by adopting sustainable land management practices to increase the population's well-being, particularly those of the farmers. To reverse this negative trend of land degradation, it is recommended to improve farm management skills, allow access to credit and make information available on SLM practices by the government, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders in charge of combatting land degradation and climate change.