Abstract
If Cameroon maintains its position as the “bread basket” of the Central African sub-Region, one of the areas to be credited is the Santa Sub-Division which is one of the major agricultural production basins, particularly market gardening. Apart from grappling with the conventional pre and post-harvest problems which plague the agricultural sector in Cameroon, observed variability in climate has aggravated the scenario. Using climatic records temperature and rainfall) for a 10 year period, including the output of market garden crops (carrots, leeks, tomatoes and cabbage), complemented by field observations and interviews, we established a correlation between climatic variations and variations in output of market garden crops The results showed both direct and inverse relationships between climate variability and market gardening resulting in differential implications for market gardeners. The implications of this results is that in the future, market gardeners could logically shift their focus to some specific crops; this could reduce the output of these crops leaving a bearing on demand and price. As a logical way forward, we suggest some adaptation options which can help farmers to “climate –proof” the market gardening sector which remains a source of livelihood for many farmers in Santa Sub-Division.
Highlights
Over the years, climatic conditions in many parts of the world have been characterised by increasing fluctuations with severe implications on a number of human activities especially agriculture
Using climatic records temperature and rainfall) for a 10 year period, including the output of market garden crops, complemented by field observations and interviews, we established a correlation between climatic variations and variations in output of market garden crops The results showed both direct and inverse relationships between climate variability and market gardening resulting in differential implications for market gardeners
As a logical way forward, we suggest some adaptation options which can help farmers to “climate –proof” the market gardening sector which remains a source of livelihood for many farmers in Santa Sub-Division
Summary
Climatic conditions in many parts of the world have been characterised by increasing fluctuations with severe implications on a number of human activities especially agriculture. Cameroon produces both export and food crops through government corporations like the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) or by individuals who carryout peasant agricultural production This activity has been largely affected by oscillations in the local climatic elements especially rainfall and temperature which have effects on both plantation and peasant agriculture (Molua & Lambi, 2006; Kimengsi & Muluh, 2013; Kimengsi & Tosam, 2013). Variation in major climatic elements especially rainfall pattern and temperature have significantly affected agriculture in general and market gardening in particular especially in the Santa highlands of Cameroon which enjoys a relatively temperate sub-climatic conditions amidst the broad tropical climatic system It is an agricultural practice on relatively smaller farm sizes but characterised by the intensive application of inputs like chemicals, fertilizers, and the use of genetically modified seedlings to increase production alongside widespread use of irrigation waters especially during the dry season when variability in climatic conditions is high
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