Assessment of Trends of Food Crop Vulnerability to Climatic Fluctuations in the Santa Agro-basin of North-West, Cameroon

Abstract

Santa Subdivision like many highland areas in Cameroon has enormous agricultural potentials. However, climate which plays a vital role in crop production process continues to threaten this agricultural strength through its variability. The study therefore aimed to assess climate variability and its impacts on food crop production in Santa Subdivision. This study used the mixed method and the data collected was both quantitative and qualitative. Rainfall and temperature data for a period of 40 years alongside food crop output data coupled with field observations and interviews were used to assess the link between climatic variations and food crop output in 4 communities. Results showed significant variations in climate with gradual decreasing rainfall trends of -3.7485x and increasing temperature trends of 0.0185x. Regression analysis test showed that there is a direct relationship between climate variability and food crop outputs. This study therefore recommended the provision of climatic data/information and steady early warning systems, development of good techniques to multiply climate variability resistant seeds and the provision of adequate training on sustainable agricultural practices to help farmers cope with climate variability.