Centre Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

Edible caterpillars in central Cameroon: host plants, value, harvesting, and availability

ABSTRACTCaterpillars are among the most consumed, traded and economically valuable edible insects in the tropics, where they are excellent sources of proteins and fats for many indigenous peoples. Despite their contribution to global food security, little is known about the species traded as well as their host plants. Through market surveys, semi-structured interviews and field observations, we identified the edible caterpillars’ species commercialized in the Centre region of Cameroon and their host plants, estimated weights and retail values, examined perceptions of change over time, and discussed implications for management. Eleven species of caterpillars and 18 host trees were identified. Seven species accounted for a total of 69482 kg worth US$163,565 being traded annually by interviewed vendors (N = 32). Caterpillars were sold either fresh or smoked, and prices varied significantly among species and urban/rural markets. All hosts were trees from lowland rainforests, most having multiple uses (e.g. medicine, timber). Most vendors reported a decrease in caterpillar species’ abundance, mainly attributed to logging of host trees and climatic changes. Future management efforts could be centered on promoting semi-domestication of edible caterpillars and raising awareness on cultivation techniques of host trees.

High snakebite underreporting rate in the Centre Region of Cameroon: an observational study

BackgroundIn Cameroon, since the first epidemiological week held in 2015, snakebites have been registered among Potential Epidemic Diseases (PED). In the Centre Region, the most densely populated of the country, weekly reports of snakebites are generated at health districts level for monthly data updates.MethodsTo contribute to the better management of snakebite cases, an observational study was conducted to assess the snakebite reporting rate in the Centre Region of Cameroon. The results of this retro-prospective survey were confronted to those of the weekly epidemiological surveillance system, recorded in the PED regional data base.ResultsThe incidence of bites was relatively high (36.6 bites per 100,000 inhabitants), as well as the general attack rate (about 49 envenomations per 100 victims). The lethality recorded was 2.5% and the mortality was about 1 death per 100,000 inhabitants a year. The sex ratio was largely female biased (61.6%). The bites occurred mostly during the rainy season (73.0%). Bitten victims were mainly farmers (47.4%), and agriculture was the main risk factor. The comparative analysis of the data suggested a high non-reporting rate of snakebite cases (67.8%).ConclusionSnakebite is an endemic condition in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Because of the high rate of non-reporting of cases, the collection of information from the registers of the health facilities only appears not enough to assess the real importance of envenomation in this Region.

Multiparasitism among Schoolchildren of Akonolinga, Nyong et Mfoumou Division, Centre Region of Cameroon

In general, school-age children are the most vulnerable to parasitic infections and are particularly exposed to multi-parasitism and its potential consequences. This study aimed at determining the intensity of multi-parasitism in Nyong et Mfoumou Division. A cross-sectional study took place from September 2017 to July 2018 among pupils of five (05) government schools from the Nyong et Mfoumou Division. Stool samples were collected from each child and examined for protozoan cysts, helminth eggs and larva while blood samples were collected for detection of Plasmodium sp. and filarial blood stages. In addition, socio-demographic information were documented. In total, 416 schoolchildren were recruited; out of which 309 (74.28%) were infected by at least one parasite species. 13 parasite species were found: 03 blood parasites and 10 intestinal parasites. Plasmodium falciparum was the main blood parasite (37.26%). Amongst intestinal parasites, Entamoeba coli were the most common among protozoa (29.33%) and Ascaris lumbricoides among helminths (21.39%). The frequency of multi-parasitism was 44.47% and the average species reach was 1.43 ± 0.01 per individual. Four types of multi-parasitism were found (bi-parasitism, tri-parasitism, quadri-parasitism and penta-parasitism); the bi-parasitism (26.68%) was the most common. Significantly statistic associations were found between parasite species such as: Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura can be explained by the same means of transmission. Association between Ascaris lumbricoides and Mansonella perstans could be a synergic interaction between these parasites. We conclude that the intensity of multiparasitism among schoolchildren in Nyong et Mfoumou Division is high with predominance in rural areas.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Relation to the HIV Status of Patients Attending the Care Units in Three Divisions in the Centre Region of Cameroon

Background: Depression of the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) promotes the onset of opportunistic infections including intestinal parasites. Objectives: In this study, we are comparing the prevalence of these parasitic infections among individuals infected with HIV (HIV+) and non-infected (HIV-) enrolled in four HIV care units in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted and stool samples were collected from 283 HIV positive subjects and 245 seronegative subjects. These samples were processed using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, Kato-Katz procedure, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and Baermann techniques to identify both common and opportunistic intestinal parasites. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between HIV infection and socio-demographics factors as well as infection with intestinal parasites. Results: A total of 123 (23.4%) individuals were found infected with at least one protozoan parasite species, and nine (1.7%) with intestinal worms. Overall, infection rates were 27.9% and 22.4% among HIV+ and HIV- subjects, respectively. The frequencies of Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar were significantly more important among HIV+ subjects (P < 0.0455). Pentatrichomonas hominis and Entamoeba coli were significantly more prevalent among HIV- subjects (P < 0.0210). Heterogeneity was observed in the distribution of intestinal parasites, according to socio-demographic parameters. In addition, Cryptosporidium spp. was significantly associated with the decrease in CD4 cell count (P = 0.0035). The frequencies of infections with Cryptosporidium spp., Isospora belli, and Iodamoeba buetschlii were significantly more important in HIV positive patients not taking antiretroviral (P < 0.0226). Conclusions: Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, and Blastocystis spp. were the intestinal pathogens more often found among HIV infected individuals. HIV positive subjects were significantly more infected with intestinal parasites than seronegatives in intermediate and rural settings, among individuals aged more than 45 years and among unemployed individuals.

Evaluation of treatment response, drug resistance and HIV-1 variability among adolescents on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy: a study protocol for a prospective observational study in the centre region of Cameroon (EDCTP READY-study)

BackgroundSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alone has nine out of every 10 children living with HIV globally and monitoring in this setting remains suboptimal, even as these children grow older. With scalability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), several HIV-infected children are growing towards adolescence (over 2.1 million), with the potentials to reach adulthood. However, despite an overall reduction in HIV-related mortality, there are increasing deaths among adolescents living with HIV (ADLHIV), with limited evidence for improved policy-making. Of note, strategies for adolescent transition from pediatrics to adult-healthcare are critical to ensure successful treatment response and longer life expectancy. Interestingly, with uptakes in prevention of mother-to-child transmission, challenges in ART programs, and high viremia among children in SSA, the success rate of paediatric ART might be quickly jeopardised, with possible HIV-1 drug-resistance (HIVDR) emergence, especially after years of paediatric ART exposure. Therefore, monitoring ART response in adolescents and evaluating HIVDR patterns might limit disease progression and guide on subsequent ART options for SSA ADLHIV.ObjectivesAmong Cameroonian ADLHIV receiving ART, we shall evaluate the rate of immunovirologic failure, acquired HIVDR-associated mutations, HIV-1 subtype distribution, genetic variability in circulating (plasma) versus archived (cellular) viral strains, and HIVDR early warning indicators (EWIs) at different time-points.MethodsA prospective and observational study will be conducted among 250 ADLHIV (10–19 years old) receiving ART in the centre region of Cameroon, and followed-up at 6 and 12 months after enrollment. Following consecutive sampling at enrolment, plasma viral load and CD4/CD8 count will be measured, and genotypic resistance testing (GRT) will be performed both in plasma and in buffy coat for participants experiencing virological failure (two consecutive viremia > = 1000 copies/ml). Plasma viral load and CD4/CD8 will be monitored for all participants at 6 and 12 months after enrolment. HIVDR-EWIs will be monitored and survival analysis performed during the 12 months follow-up. Primary outcomes are rates of virological failure, acquired-HIVDR, and mortality.DiscussionOur findings will provide evidence-based recommendations to ensure successful transition from paediatrics to adult ART regimens and highlight further needs of active ART combinations, for reduced morbidity and mortality in populations of ADLHIV within SSA.

Ant assemblage structure on cocoa trees in smallholder farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon

AbstractWe investigated the ant community structure in cocoa farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Ants were collected on the cocoa trees during the years 2006 and 2007 using chemical knock‐down. We tested the hypothesis of the existence of deterministic factor in the structuration of ant mosaic using C‐Score; we assessed the relationship between the numerical dominant and subdominant ant species using Spearman correlation test and discussed on the influence of vegetation structure and farm management on the ant community structure. A total of 53 ant species belonging to 20 genera and five subfamilies were identified from a set of 51,525 workers collected. C‐score analysis supported the hypothesis that ant community were structured by competition. Negative relationships were found between dominant ant species. Farming practices which were mainly pruning, chemical treatment and habitat structure appeared to influence the ecological status and distribution of dominant ant species.

A Qualitative Assessment of the Determinants of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among Adolescents living with HIV in the Centre Region of Cameroon

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is known to be challenging among adolescents living with HIV/AIDS, meanwhile it is the key to success for ART programmes. In Cameroon, although a few researchers have investigated on the quantitative aspects of adherence among adolescents, less is known about qualitative information. This study aimed at investigating the key factors that contribute to ART adherence for adolescents living with HIV in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Methods: The study was conducted in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Adolescents on ART with disclosed status was recruited from health facilities. Six focus group discussion (FGD) sessions were conducted with 56 adolescents both girls and boys aged more than 15. In addition, 3 FGD with 34 parents/guardians and 10 individual in-depth interviews with health care providers were all conducted between the months of June and September 2018. Results: A total of 56 adolescents, 34 parents and 10 health care providers were approached for participation. Results showed that a range of factors related to the individual, family, environment, medication and health system levels determine the reasons for poor adherence to ART among adolescents living with HIV. In fact, most adolescents mentioned in this study that compliance with medicine intake is seen as a punishment or drudgery. Conclusion: In supporting adherence to ART, it would be important to develop approaches that facilitate and help adolescents to adequately comply to medication intake like the creation of discussion groups through phone messages and WhatsApp for the sharing of experiences and for mutual support. A multi-sectorial approach would also be needed to address this issue.

The Diet Composition of Four Vesper Bats (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from the Centre Region of Cameroon (Central Africa)

Diet is an important part of microbat biology that provides valuable information on how species interact and persist in an ecosystem. Dietary analysis is also important in interpreting their role as predator of night flying insects. Our objective is to report on the food and feeding habits of four microbats (<i>Neoromicia nana, Neoromicia tenuipinnis, Pipistrellus nanulus</i> and <i>Scotoecus hirundo</i>) in the Centre Region of Cameroon, based primarily on fecal remains collected from bats captured at their feeding and roosting sites. Bats were captured from January 2016 to December 2017 using mist nets and their fecal pellets were collected for dietary analysis. Dietary analysis of 393 fecal pellets of 51 vesper bats showed that bats consumed eight insect Orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isopteran, Trichoptera and Neuroptera). Lepidoptera’s (%v=58.5%) were the most important food source for these bats. The three most frequent insect Orders encountered in the pellets of these bats were Lepidoptera (%f = 96.6%), dipteran (%f =79.1%) and Coleoptera (%f =77.5%). We observed large amounts of Diptera content in the diet of <i>S. hirundo</i> (%v = 39.7%), <i>N. tenuipinnis</i> (%v = 29.6%). Elucidating the role of bats in Dipteran control could lead to benefits for both the conservation of bats and public health. Equally erecting of bat houses to attract bats in farms so that they feed on insects could reduce or minimize the use of pesticides. A statistical analysis of mean percentage frequency and volume of food items indicated that among the four-bat species, consumed prey items were similar (H = 0.2, p = 0.9). This new information can be used for both conservation and to improve public awareness about bats in Cameroon.

Impact of Meteorological Parameters on Distribution of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in the City of Yaoundé, Centre Region of Cameroon

Tuberculosis remains a major health problem and particularly in the Centre Region of Cameroon where prevalence is still high in the city of Yaounde. Climate has been proved to have impact on tuberculosis distribution. This study aimed at assessing possible association of TB notifications with some meteorological parameters. Daily, weekly, monthly and quaterly aggregates of tuberculosis diagnosis results for consecutive tuberculosis patients tested over one year (April 2010 until March 2011) at Jamot Hospital of Yaounde were analysed (Microsoft excel and SPSS). A total of 665 tuberculosis patients were enrolled at the Jamot Hospital of Yaounde during the study period. Weekly mean humidity and temperature were related to tuberculosis cases with respectively Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.291 and -0.342 even though the relation was weak. For the relationship magnitude 8.5% and 11.7% of the variance in tuberculosis cases were explained by weekly mean humidity and temperature respectively. A Poisson regression predicted more tuberculosis cases following weekly increase of humidity, a statistically significant result with p ˂ 0.001. There was 12.1% decrease in the number of tuberculosis cases for each decrease of temperature per week. However, rainfall had no impact on tuberculosis notifications even though most cases were recorded in rainy season while seasonal index changed over time. In short, tuberculosis notifications showed to be associated to two meteorological parameters: mean ambient temperature and relative mean humidity. The highest peak was in the month of June during the rainy season. Data from this work may contribute to the National Tuberculosis Control Program to model tuberculosis variation from recorded tuberculosis notifications since years in order to find an indicator for better intervention strategies for disease control.

Assessment of adverse drug reactions in the home management of malaria cases of children under 5 years using artemisinin-based combination therapy in Mfou health district, Center region of Cameroon

Malaria remains one of the major public health concerns in Cameroon. Its treatment is frequently initiated at home, most often with street drugs. The home management of malaria cases entails the prescription of Artemisinin-based combination (ACTs) as first-line therapy for treatment of uncomplicated malaria after having confirmed the malaria case using rapid diagnostic tests. But induced adverse reactions of this therapy are not well known in Cameroon. Thus, a prospective, observational, cohort study of adverse events associated with ACTs was conducted from January 2013 to November 2013 in the health district of Mfou. Children under 5 years receiving ACTs for malaria treatment at home were enrolled. Suspected ADRs and other clinical events were recorded. Data were managed and analysed using Epi Info version 3.5.3 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences, statistical software version 20. Of the 479 children investigated, 56.8% (n=272/479) were males, the age group 25-59 months (49.5%; n=237/479) was most represented, 27.1% (n=130/479) had experienced one form of ADRs, male children (56.2%; n=73/130) and the age group 25-59 months (50.8%; n=66/130) were most affected. No significant association was found between age, sex and incidence of adverse ACTs reactions. The main experienced ACTs reactions were tiredness (43.1%; n=56/130) followed by lack of appetite (24.6%; n=32/130). The incidence ACTs ARDs was found to be relatively low and tolerable. Home management of malaria cases using ACTs should be encouraged and community members should be trained to improve the recognizing and reporting of adverse effects.

Critical Thinking Level of Bachelor Degree Nursing Students of Two Selected Universities in the Centre Region of Cameroon

Critical Thinking Level of Bachelor Degree Nursing Students of Two Selected Universities in the Centre Region of Cameroon

Ecological factors and Dictyoptera (Blaberidae) association - benthic macroinvertebrates, in some forest streams in the Centre region of Cameroon

Ecological factors and Dictyoptera (Blaberidae) association - benthic macroinvertebrates, in some forest streams in the Centre region of Cameroon

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts from Nauclea pobeguinii (Rubiacee) in rats.

Background Nauclea pobeguinii is a plant species found in the centre region of Cameroon. The stem bark of this plant is traditionally used to ease pain and cure inflammation. Method This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of doses 150 and 300 mg/kg of the aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts from Nauclea pobeguinii on acute pain, acute and chronic inflammation induced by formalin and arthritis induced by zymosan A in rats. Oxidative stress parameters such as catalase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were measured in rats subjected to chronic inflammation. The standard used was diclofenac at 5 mg/kg. Results Aqueous extract as well as methanolic extract of Nauclea pobeguinii led to a significant reduction in the second phase of formalin induced pain with 54.22 and 48.02% of inhibition percentage, respectively. The formalin-induced inflammatory oedema was reduced by both extracts, and this effect remains significant until the tenth day of treatment. Equally, extracts significantly increased the catalase activity and inhibited the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, brain and spinal cord and NO reduction only in serum. Both extracts significantly reduced the articular oedema induced by zymosan A for 6 h and for 5 days. Furthermore, the histological study of the articulations shows a non-altered synovial membrane and a small cartilage in all treated animals versus negative control group. Conclusions From these results, it can be concluded that pain, inflammation and arthritic healing activities of both stem bark extracts were expressed in rats and could conciliate the use of this vegetable by traditional African healers.

The impact of soil treatments on black pod rot (caused by Phytophthora megakarya) of cacao in Cameroon

In Cameroon, Phytophthora megakarya is the causal agent of black pod rot of cacao (Theobroma cacao L). Primary inoculum of P. megakarya is located in the soil. With the onset of the rainy season, this primary inoculum is activated and through rain splash cacao pods become infected. From there repeated cycles of pod infection, sporulation, spore dispersal and pod infection, result in losses that can reach up to 70–80% when no control measures are in place. Thus, if this soil-borne inoculum could be eliminated or prevented from reaching cacao pods, losses from black pod could possibly be reduced considerably.Biological control of cacao black pod disease, using Trichoderma asperellum PR11, has proven successful in Cameroon. Moreover, T. asperellum PR11 has also been proven to be useful against soilborne inoculum of Pythium myriotylum and Phytophthora ramorum. The objective of this study therefore, was to use soil applications of T. asperellum PR11 to reduce black pod disease due to P. megakarya.This study was undertaken under farmers’ field condition in the Centre region of Cameroon. Trichoderma asperellum PRR11, together with a water and fungicide (Ridomil Gold 66 WP) control, were applied on a three weeks basis over two consecutive production seasons. Weekly data collection consisted of counting healthy and diseased pods. For each treatment six replicate plots, each containing 16 trees, were used. Soil samples were taken at the beginning and end of the second season to determine the impact of the treatments on P. megakarya primary inoculum levels as well as the presence of fungal antagonists of P. megakarya.Although soil applications did not significantly reduce the total number of diseased pods, nor overall pod rot rate, soil applications did change disease dynamics by reducing the speed in which the disease progressed. Moreover, soil applications did impact the presence of fungal antagonists and most importantly significantly reduced the amount of P. megakarya primary inoculum present in the soil. Given the effectiveness of T. asperellum in controlling black pod rot, combined aerial and soil applications should have additive effects when combined simultaneously for the control of black pod disease in cacao.

Cocoa Farmers' Compliance with Safety Precautions in Spraying Agrochemicals and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Cameroon.

The inability of farmers to comply with essential precautions in the course of spraying agrochemicals remains a policy dilemma, especially in developing countries. The objectives of this paper were to assess compliance of cocoa farmers with agrochemical safety measures, analyse the factors explaining involvement of cocoa farmers in the practice of reusing agrochemical containers and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE). Data were collected with structured questionnaires from 667 cocoa farmers from the Centre and South West regions in Cameroon. Data analyses were carried out with Probit regression and Negative Binomial regression models. The results showed that average cocoa farm sizes were 3.55 ha and 2.82 ha in South West and Centre regions, respectively, and 89.80% and 42.64% complied with manufacturers’ instructions in the use of insecticides. Eating or drinking while spraying insecticides and fungicides was reported by 4.20% and 5.10% of all farmers in the two regions, respectively. However, 37.78% and 57.57% of all farmers wore hand gloves and safety boots while spraying insecticides in the South West and Centre regions of Cameroon, respectively. In addition, 7.80% of all the farmers would wash agrochemical containers and use them at home, while 42.43% would wash and use them on their farms. Probit regression results showed that probability of reusing agrochemical containers was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by region of residence of cocoa farmers, gender, possession of formal education and farming as primary occupation. The Negative Binomial regression results showed that the log of number PPE worn was significantly influenced (p < 0.10) by region, marital status, attainment of formal education, good health, awareness of manufacturers’ instructions, land area and contact index. It was among others concluded that efforts to train farmers on the need to be familiar with manufacturers’ instructions and use PPE would enhance their safety in the course of spraying agrochemicals.

Re-Emergence of Yaws in the Centre Region, Cameroon: Data from Four Health's Districts

Background: Yaws has re-emerged in Cameroon and many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Database on its epidemiology is needed to plan eradication till 2020, in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) objectives. Objective: Determine the epidemiological profile of yaws in children from 0-15 years in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Methods: On a cross-sectional study from December 2016 to January 2017, we recruited children from 0 to 15 years in five randomly selected health's districts of Centre Region of Cameroon. The sampling was multi-stratified and randomised. The diagnosis of yaws was based on clinical lesions and serology. Statistical analyses were performed using the software Epi info 7.0. Results: Overall 471 children (46% males) were enrolled from 10 communities (7 semi urban, 3 rural). The mean age was 6.37 ± 2.54. The clinical prevalence of yaws was 3.2%. The main clinical signs were: cutaneous ulcers (46%) and papilloma (40%). Most of them were located on the head and/or neck (66%); the upper (56%) and lower (36%) limbs. 46% of children were in the primary stage, while 54% in the secondary stage. 25 (5.3%) children were tested positive for Yaws. Amongst them, 5 (1%) did not present clinical lesions and 5 (1%) had a past or treated infection. 60% of the affected children were 1 to 5 years. Rural areas were more affected (56%). The community of Abem registered the largest number of cases (28%). 152 children, cases and contact included were successfully treated. Conclusion: Yaws is endemic in the Centre region of Cameroon, particularly in rural areas. Successive eradicating campaign has to be planned, to achieve WHO objectives by 2020. Funding Statement: Tests and inputs were provided by the World Health Organization. Declaration of Interests: Authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: To carry out this study, we obtained an ethical clearance from the National Committee of Ethics and Research for Human Health in Cameroon (Reference n ° 2016/08/800/CE/CNERSH/SP), and administrative authorizations from authorities of each health’s districts, health areas then communities. Before being included in the study, parents and legal tutors of children read and signed an informed consent sheet. A verbal consent to participate was obtained from those above 6 years.

Commercialization of Cattle in the Urban Markets of Yaoundé, Center Region of Cameroon: Policy Implication for an Informal Activity

This article analyzes the functioning of the Yaounde market through an analysis of the role of the public authorities in the functioning of the Yaounde market, the types of economic actors involved in the commercial exchanges, the sources and the supply routes of the different marketed cattle breeds, The financial analysis of the actors involved and constraints to the development of this market through a survey of the various actors was carried out. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered to 121 respondents who were selected by the multi-stage random sampling technique. The analysis of the collected data revealed that the lifting of the health barrier established between the Far North and the Great South of Cameroon against the diseases of plague, trypanosomiasis and foot-and-mouth disease plays an essential role in the development of the Yaounde markets. Lately, it has assumed a regional economic importance since it hosts not only the animals of North Cameroon but also those of the Central African Republic. Not according to their race or their geographical origin, the commercial value of the animals is appreciated according to their life weight, or their morphology. The financial analysis of the actors shows that this activity is profitable. However, the gross margin generated by the big butchers (52,700 CFA francs / beef) and the small butchers (43,500 CFA / leg of 64 kg) were the most interesting. Although the market has become a supply hub for some major cities of Cameroon (Douala) and the Central African Sub Region (Libreville and Malabo), it suffers from infrastructural difficulties and a lack of transfer of competence through decentralization.

Habitat characteristics of wintering Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix in the Centre Region of Cameroon: conservation implications

Populations of many Afro-Palearctic birds have declined, with those wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, particularly affected. In this study we investigated the relationship between habitat characteristics and Wood Warbler presence/absence in the Centre Region of Cameroon. A total of six transects were established in three habitat types (forest, forest–savanna transitional zone and savanna). Call playback surveys were conducted monthly from November 2015 to April 2016 to determine Wood Warbler presence/absence. Detailed habitat measurements were also recorded in each transect. A total of 86 responses were recorded: 33 (mean 6.6 ± 2.3) in forest habitat, 47 (mean 9.4 ± 3.36) in the forest–savanna transitional zone, and 6 (mean 2 ± 1.1) in savanna habitat. Wood Warbler presence increased significantly with the number of trees between 3 and 7 m in height, and decreased significantly with the number of shrubs between 0.5 and 3 m in height. Anthropogenic disturbance such as the agricultural cycle and burning were not found to have an effect on Wood Warblers presence/absence. We conclude that Wood Warblers overwinter in all three habitat types with probability of detection greatest in the forest–savanna transitional habitat with a relatively low canopy and an open understorey. Forest clearance in sub-Saharan Africa potentially threatens wintering habitat for Wood Warblers.

The Economic Analysis of Resource Used Efficiency for Cocoa Production in Cameroon: The Case Study of Lekie Division

The general objective of this study is to present an economic analysis of the resources efficiently used for cocoa production in the Lekie division of Cameroon. Data were collected in around forty cocoa farms which were selected randomly across five towns (Obala, Monatele, Evodoula, Ebebda and Okola) of the division “Lekie”, Center Region of Cameroon. The data were analyzed using descriptive and regression techniques through stochastic production functions. The average cocoa production recorded in this study area was 643.275kg/ha. Our results showed the technical efficiency ranges from 10% to 100%, with an average efficiency of 43.7%. This implies that on average 56.3% more output would have been produced with the same level of inputs, if farmers were following best practices. The results observed that the size of the farmers’ household, marital status, access to bank credit, area of arable land and farmer’s membership in a cooperative are the main socioeconomic determinants of efficiency across farms in the division of Lekie. Technical training of farmers, extension service and rotation of cultivated land are the important measures that can be taken for increasing cocoa production in this part of Cameroon.

Nursery substrates and provenances influence rooting performance of juvenile, single-node vine cuttings of Gnetum africanum Welw. (Gnetaceae)

Gnetum africanum Welw. (Gnetaceae) is a forest vine that is highly valued for its leaves which are a source of food and income. Because wild populations are threatened by over-harvesting, there is an increasing need to cultivate the plant, which in turn entails a need for developing good quality planting material. This study investigates the effects of four provenances, four substrates and their interactions on rooting and shoot development of vine cuttings of G. africanum using the non-mist propagation system developed by ICRAF. Single-node, half-leafed vine cuttings were used and data on rooting and leaf production were collected monthly from the second to the fifth months. Rooting percentages were subjected to analysis of variance using logistic regression procedures in Genstat version 12. Provenance (P&lt;0.001), substrate (P&lt;0.001) and interaction between provenance and substrate (P&lt;0.001) showed highly significant effects on rooting. Excel was used to determine rooting percentages, with the highest observed in fine sand on cuttings from Lekie- Assi (81%) and Boumnyebel (79%) which are high G. africanum exploitation areas in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Boumnyebel showed a signficantly higher shoot development than the other provenances. Fine sand and sharp sand can be recommended for rapid, low-cost production of G. africanum planting material. Key words: domestication, rooting substrate, non-mist propagator, vine cuttings