The Impact of Conservation Agriculture Practice and Socio-Economic Factors on Yam Production (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata) in Kalagoé (Lobaye, Central African Republic)

Abstract

Few studies have been carried out on Yam (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata) in relation with the conservation agriculture in CAR. Yam is cultivated in limited quantities despite its role in improving food security. In order to increase Yam production in the smallholder farms in CAR, the potential effect of crop management practices like nutrient application, mulching and minimum tillage on Yam crop yield and household financial returns, needs to be understood. A questionnaire was prepared and used as a tool for the collection of information from 100 producers of Yam without distinction of ages and sexes. In order to determinate the agronomical performance of Yam, two plots were explored. The first plot with 625m² (12.5m ×50m), known as the improved plot, is a plot on which all conservation agriculture practices were applied. The second plot, known as the traditional plot, is one on which traditional farming techniques were applied. The results of the survey show that 32% of the farmers are in favor for CA practice nevertheless 68% are not favor, which shows that a large proportion of farmers in Kalangoé are not aware of the benefits of this technique. The most widely cultivated variety is D. rotundata, because of its taste qualities. Some producers also grow both varieties at the same time. Some producers (28%) clear their plots by cutting down all the trees to leave the field bare, while a large number (72%) practice partial cutting by removing the shrubs to keep the large trees in order to protect the forest. A large number of producers (62%) also burn their plots for various reasons, including freeing up space and making it easier to move around the field because the plant debris from clearing prevents them from working properly. A small proportion of producers (26%) practice ploughing against 74% who do not practice this technique. The conservation agriculture practice applied to Yam gave interesting agronomic performances (growth and production parameters) than the farmers practices.