Integration versus segregation: Structural dynamics of a smallholder-dominated mosaic landscape under tree-crop expansion in Ghana
Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Applied Geography
Abstract
Tree crops like cocoa and oil palm have ecological and socio-economic significance in tropical landscapes.
However, their expansion in tropical landscapes leaves footprints on ecosystem-based livelihoods, forests, and
land for food. While policy and research have focused on productivity, markets and land-use transitions, the
structural effects of expanding tree crops on landscapes have rarely been assessed. This study investigates
changes in landscape structural properties associated with tree-crop expansion in a smallholder-dominated
mosaic landscape. It quantifies the degree of integration/segregation in the landscape, and the direction in
which the landscape evolves on an integration-segregation continuum. Landscape metrics from 1986 to 2015
land-cover maps were used to quantify landscape composition and configuration. Selected metrics were com bined into a new composite landscape structural state index (LSSI), as a measure to determine the degree of
integration/segregation. The study found that landscape composition was relatively stable. However, reduced
patch numbers and complexity, and increased connectivity and aggregation revealed configurational dynamics:
cocoa and oil palm exhibited aggregation tendencies; while food-crop areas became fragmented; and the LSSI
indicated a shift towards greater segregation in the landscape between 1986 and 2015. Regarding structure, the
smallholder landscape mimics an industrial agrarian landscape with large segregated homogenous cocoa and oil
palm areas, and a reserved forest area. The study thus reveals changes in structural properties due to tree-crop
led landscape transitions. It suggests considering these aspects when promoting tree crops in mosaic landscapes
as they imply adverse effects on food availability and ecosystem services.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Landscape composition, Landscape configuration, Integration/segregation