Abstract

Although Cameroon has a well developed national agricultural research system, adoption of improved varieties and new technologies by small-holders has been slow. The government, with help from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has decided to strengthen its farming systems research (FSR) capability by establishing a number of teams throughout the country to conduct on-farm research. This project will provide funds for one team to work in the Center-South region of the country around Yaoundé, the capital. The project team will collaborate with teams working elsewhere in the country and encourage regular communication between the farmers and researchers. Seminars and meetings will be organized to inform national scientists and researchers about FSR concepts and methods.

Post-Project Summary

This project conducted on-farm research in the villages of Febe, Nkolkumu, Elig Essombala, Ebakoa, and Abangmindi in Cameroon. Trial designs were oriented to find answers to problems of weeding, fertility levels, and plant arrangements identified during exploratory surveys and farmer-managed trials. The project conducted work with maize using materials selected by breeders. Cassava was found to be the most important crop in the research area. Planting material for multiplication was obtained and trials were carried out on farmer-fields during 1987. Sweet potato cuttings were distributed in May 1987 for farmer field tests. Socioeconomic studies were conducted on labour use; methods for rapid assessments of problem priorities; and, utilization of root and tuber crops. The project cooperated with other programs, and the research team participated in exploratory surveys for an agroforestry project.

Recipient Institution(s)