Ecological intensification of Peruvian cacao agroforestry

Cacao agroforestry can help connect food production, biodiversity conservation and natural pest control in tropical farming landscapes. The ECO-CACAO project studied how differently managed cacao agroforestry systems in Peru affect birds, bats, insects, pollination, natural pest control and cacao yield. The project focused on ecological intensification: instead of increasing production mainly through higher external inputs or simplified land use, farming systems can make better use of natural functions such as pollination and pest control. Cacao is especially suitable for this approach because it originates from the Amazon region and is still often grown in agroforestry systems with shade trees. These systems can provide habitat for many animal and plant species while supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. ECO-CACAO studied 28 cacao agroforestry systems in the San Martn region of the Peruvian Amazon. The farms differed in shade-tree diversity, canopy cover, surrounding landscape structure and genetic diversity of cacao trees. The project recorded birds, bats, butterflies, ants, pollinators, other arthropods, shade trees, flower visitors, pests, diseases and yield-related variables. Field experiments were used to test how birds and bats contribute to natural pest control. The results show that cacao agroforestry systems can be important habitats in agricultural landscapes, but their value depends strongly on both local management and the surrounding landscape. Shade trees, tree diversity and tree cover in the landscape support many beneficial species. At the same time, the results show that sustainable cacao production cannot be planned only at the level of single farms, but must consider whole landscapes. Birds, bats and insects contribute to important ecosystem services; pollination, pest control, cacao genetic diversity and local management jointly influence yield and quality. Collaboration with local partners, cooperatives and farmer families was a central part of the project. Results were presented and discussed in workshops in Peru with farmers, technicians, researchers and cacao-sector stakeholders. Participating families received personalized reports summarizing the biodiversity, productivity, pests and diseases recorded in their own agroforests. ECO-CACAO contributes to a better understanding, management and conservation of biodiversity in tropical agricultural landscapes. Its results support more sustainable cacao landscapes that can benefit production, nature and local communities.