Adaptations of the Agricultural Calendar and Agricultural Techniques to Climate Change in the Highlands of Cameroon

Abstract

From its inception with regard to climate change, scientists, stakeholders and policymakers did focus their efforts predominantly on mitigation. But since a decade now, efforts of the international community deal with adaptation, this being both a matter of need as climate change is now underway and a matter of equity as its impacts fall disproportionately worldwide. Climate change adaptation refers to actions that reduce the negative impact of climate change, while taking advantage of potential new opportunities. It involves adjusting policies and actions because of observed or expected changes in climate. Future impacts (if they are yet to be obvious) will affect a broad array of human and natural systems, including areas vital to economic and social well-being, such as agricultural. In fact, production of food crops is the most climate-dependent economic activity and changes in climate are expected to have significant impacts upon crop yields through changes in both temperature and moisture. Therefore, anticipating and adapting to these impacts in order to minimize their human and environmental toll is a significant challenge for all. Objective: As meeting that challenge requires action at multiple levels, from the international to the local this paper explores and evaluates the forms of adaptation of the agricultural calendar and cultivation techniques used to improve corn production in the context of family farming in Bantoum. Method: Data used here derive from field investigations conducted in the area in 2012. We did resort to both qualitative (participant observation) and quantitative (use of standardized questionnaires) techniques to collect data from the farmers. However, rainfall data came from the Bangangte forecasting station located 10 km from our study area and which has a similar climate based on the extent of the data series from 1980 to 2010. To highlight the surplus or deficit years, index of rainfall anomaly was calculated based on the Ozer and Erpicum method (Secheresse 6(1):103–108, 1995). Priority was given to the historical approach in order to capture changes to the agricultural calendar and corn production techniques over the years in the area. Results: This research highlights a strong inter-annual and seasonal variability of rainfall volumes which is detrimental to a good corn production in Bantoum. To come accross shortage of rainfalls, Bantoum farmers have modified their agricultural calendar by gradually abandoning the minor rainy season for cultivation in favor of a new production campaign, and by setting up a campaign during the long dry season in the swamps by using irrigation.