Economics of land use dynamics in coconut plantations of Grand-Lahou in Cote d’Ivoire

A severe outbreak of Côte d’Ivoire lethal yellowing disease (CILY) has been wreaking havoc throughout coconut farms since 2013. This study provides an analysis of crop-specific land use change, applying a multinomial probit model based on a theoretical land use model to predict the spatial distribution of land use within the department of Grand-Lahou in Côte d’Ivoire where coconut plantations have been devastated by CILY disease. To prevent the spread of disease to non-CILY affected areas, research and gender-responsive extension services for fighting the disease should be reinforced, focusing on smallholder coconut farmers.