Farmers' Perception of Ecosystem Services Provided by Historical Rubber Plantations in Sankuru Province, DR Congo

The province of Sankuru, located within the Democratic Republic of Congo, is distinguished by its extensive rubber plantations, which have a long history in the region. These plantations have had a considerable impact on the region's agrarian landscape over time. In addition to the exploitation of latex, for which the conditions are currently very limited, these plantations provide goods and services to the local population and are dominated by rural communities that are highly dependent on these natural resources. This study aimed to characterize the socio-demographic and agrarian profile of historical rubber plantations while assessing the occurrence of the ecosystem services (ESs) they provide. Particular attention will be paid to the farmers' perceptions of these services, an essential element for the rational management of natural resources. This study used a mixed methodological approach, integrating semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and statistical analyses including chi-square testing and multiple correspondence factorial analysis (MCAFA) to obtain and analyze the data comprehensively. The results indicate that historical rubber plantations in Sankuru provide 21 ESs, which are grouped into four categories: eleven provisioning services, four regulating services, four cultural services, and two supporting services. It has been observed that local communities attach significant importance to the provision of services including the provision of firewood (96.67%) and the utilization of forest resources for traditional pharmacopoeia (91.33%). These plantations have come to be regarded as valuable cultural heritage by local communities over time. The younger generation evinces a greater interest in utility services than the older generation, which displays a preference for cultural services. However, older people demonstrate a more profound understanding of cultural and regulatory services. By emphasizing the species that contribute to ESs and recognizing plantations as cultural heritage, the study enhances the comprehension of the significance of local ecosystems. These findings provide a crucial foundation for directing local policy toward integrated management of historic rubber plantations in Sankuru. By considering the perceptions of local people, the study contributes to the sustainable conservation of these plantations for the present and future generations.