Production, consumption and market diversification of grain legumes in the humid forest agroecology of cameroon

Abstract

Grain legumes are mostly cultivated for food and income security. However, the productivity of most grain legumes remains low, with ensuing impacts on consumption and marketing. This study aims at characterizing major grain legumes with regards to production, consumption, and sales in the humid forest zone of Cameroon. The research targets explicitly agricultural households in which the production, consumption, and marketing decisions are made sequentially. To evaluate the socioeconomic determinants driving these decisions, we employed the Tobit censored regression model. Our results present empirical evidence that households participate in markets after satisfying their food consumption needs. Female-headed households are more involved in the production and marketing of legumes. We thus provide evidence-based policy directives to target women into farming systems by empowering them and increasing their access to improved seeds and farmland. Informal education is also essential as it increases the indigenous knowledge base of farming households in the production, consumption and marketing of legumes.