Rethinking intensification: biodiversity-inclusive management sustains coconut yields
File(s)
Author(s)
Roberts, Benjamin J
Collins, Tilly
Savolainen, Vincent
Djaha, Konan Engueran
Duncalf-Youngson, Hamish
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Coconut palm expansion in West Africa will shape rural livelihoods and ecosystems. Our findings show that intensive practices reduce beneficial soil fungi and increase pathogens, threatening long-term productivity. Lower-intensity management that retains ground vegetation can sustain or boost yields while improving soil health. With typical planting densities and prices, these practices could generate an additional USD 800–1,200 per hectare annually, strengthening farmer income. Promoting biodiversity-friendly management and intercropping can enhance resilience, support food security and reduce pressure on natural habitats, offering a practical pathway to align agricultural development with environmental sustainability.
Date Issued
2026-04-22
Date Acceptance
2026-03-12
Citation
Plants, People, Planet, 2026
ISSN
2572-2611
Publisher
Wiley
Journal / Book Title
Plants, People, Planet
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Author(s). Plants, People, Planet published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of New Phytologist Foundation. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Publication Status
Published online
Date Publish Online
2026-04-22