Forest species have long been associated with cocoa farming systems based on farmers' perceptions. However, in the absence of scientific evidence, there is a lack of consensus on farmers' knowledge of desirable and undesirable cocoa shade species. This study aimed to identify farmers' criteria for selecting tree species in cocoa systems, and to analyse cocoa tree planting density and aboveground biomass (ABG) around shade trees. In the south of Côte d'Ivoire, 154 farmers were interviewed on the advantages and disadvantages of cocoa tree species. Botanical inventories were carried out to record the presence of all identified shade species. Cocoa tree planting density and biomass around the 15 most common shade species were calculated. The results showed that cocoa farmers have a lot of knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of 35 shade trees. Ricinodendron heudelotii, Xylopia aethiopica and Terminalia spp. were the most beneficial species for cocoa. They increased soil moisture and provided good shade. Cola nitida, Elaeis guineensis, Musa paradisiaca and Cocos nucifera were the most detrimental species to cocoa. They attracted pests and diseases and competed for nutrients and water. But these detrimental species were present in more than 50% of farms. While these beneficial and detrimental species did not significantly affect cocoa tree AGB, farmers preferred to reduce cocoa density by two species: Elaeis guineensis and Citrus sinensis. Further research should be conducted to highlight the influences of shade species on the full phenology of the cocoa tree.

长期以来，森林物种一直与基于农民观念的可可种植系统联系在一起。然而，由于缺乏科学证据，农民对理想和不良可可树荫品种的了解缺乏共识。本研究旨在确定农民在可可系统中选择树种的标准，并分析遮荫树周围的可可树种植密度和地上生物量（ABG）。在科特迪瓦南部，154 名农民接受了有关可可树种优缺点的采访。进行了植物清查以记录所有已识别的遮荫物种的存在。计算了 15 种最常见遮荫树种的可可树种植密度和生物量。结果表明，可可种植者对 35 种遮荫树的优缺点有很多了解。Ricinodendron heudelotii、Xylopia aethiopica和Terminalia spp. 是对可可最有益的物种。它们增加了土壤湿度并提供了良好的遮荫。Cola nitida、Elaeis guineensis、Musa paradisiaca和Cocos nucifera是对可可危害最大的物种。它们吸引了害虫和疾病，并争夺营养和水。但超过 50% 的农场都存在这些有害物种。虽然这些有益和有害物种并没有显着影响可可树 AGB，但农民更愿意减少两个物种的可可密度：油棕和柑橘。应该进行进一步的研究，以强调遮荫物种对可可树完整物候的影响。