Adaptation strategies for the adverse effects of climate disruptions on coffee and cocoa trees productivity in Cameroon

Abstract

The decline of Cameroon cocoa and coffee productions are increasingly designated as one of the negative consequences of climate change on plants development. The purpose of this study was to contribute to improving the productivity of cocoa and coffee trees, in their production areas, in Cameroon. Thus, 280 plots, located in three different agro-ecological zones, were monitored for five consecutive years (2014-2018). Meteorological data were also systematically collected at each site. Data analysis highlighted three classes of unstable meteorological profiles that reflect the non-recurrence of climatic events on the study sites. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of cocoa black pod disease and that of Arabica coffee berry disease increases with the quantity of rainfall and the number of rainy days. This increase rather induces a decrease in the attack rate of berry borer on the Robusta coffee trees. The results obtained made it possible to identify, by elucidating their respective roles, the climatic variables which have an effect on the productivity of cocoa and coffee trees. They have also led, for the first time, to the conceptualization of innovative technical processes, which can reduce the harmful effects of climatic disturbances on cocoa and coffee crops.