North Cameroon Research Articles

Factors influencing direct payment exemption in the user fee elimination project in the Far North of Cameroon

On January 1, 2020, the State of Cameroon instituted a policy to eliminate direct payments by people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). However, limited data are available on the implementation of this policy. This study aims to identify the determinants of the improper implementation of this policy by healthcare providers. To this end, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 164 medical and paramedical staff involved in the care of PLHIV. Data were collected using a Google Forms questionnaire and administered in health facility forums. Determinants were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The study found that the job profile of a doctor or pharmacist (odds ratio adjusted [AOR] = 9.64 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.32 – 44.09]; p = 0.002), access to policy guidelines (AOR = 2.81 [95% CI: 1.02 – 7.86]; p = 0.045), perception of the policy’s impact on quality of care (AOR = 4.26 [95% CI: 0.79 – 26.95]; p = 0.034), and the context of working in a system in which the policy is partially effective (AOR = 4.0 [95% CI: 1.53 – 11.08]; p = 0.005) significantly increased the chances of improper practices related to policy implementation. Awareness-raising and capacity-building strategies must be developed to policy implementation by healthcare providers in Cameroon. The policy of “user fees elimination” marks the first step toward universal health coverage, and this study also provides a basis for reflection to facilitate its optimal implementation.

Analysis of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Flows in a Rice-Growing Basin: The Case of the Maga Production Basin (Cameroon)

The availability of irrigation water has favored the development of agriculture in the Maga area, located in the Far North of Cameroon, with rice growing as the dominant agricultural activity. This activity is, however, known as a source of groundwater pollution through the infiltration of substances contained in inputs used for soil fertilization. The present study is a contribution to the analysis of the sources of contamination of the waters of the Maga rice basin by nitrogen and phosphate mineral compounds as well as the spatial distribution of these compounds. The monitoring of a network of fifteen wells and boreholes covering the rice-growing area during six campaigns made it possible to carry out the physicochemical characterization of subsurface and groundwater. The results obtained reveal that nitrates (NO3−) are present in water in low quantities, with averages per campaign ranging from 9.01 mg/L to 20.31 mg/L. On the other hand, ammonium (NH4+) and phosphates (PO43−) are in significant concentration. Their averages are of the order of 2.62 mg/L to 4.51 mg/L and then 0.65 mg/L to 5.58 mg/L for ammonium and phosphates, respectively. Mineral fertilizers used for soil amendment and degradation of organic matter, as well as the hydrolysis of minerals contained in the soil, contribute to the mineralization of water in the study area.

Diversity of Soil Macro Arthropods in the Arable Land of Cotton Zone, North Cameroon

Arthropods constitute the most diverse and dominant species of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite this great abundance, our understanding of their ecological organization and diversity remains unknown in certain habitats. The present study aimed to evaluate the diversity of soil macro-arthropods in the arable land of six localities in the arable land of cotton zone of Cameroon. For this purpose, collections of soil macro-arthropods were carried out using Barber traps and subpots for two consecutive years 2018-2019. During the entire duration of the study, nearly 33.423 soil macro-arthropods were collected belonging to 67 species divided into 11 orders and 27 families. After classification, the most abundant insect groups were Coleoptera (36.9%), Hymenoptera (33.5%), and Orthoptera (22.9%), while the groups of Neuroptera, Hemiptera and Isoptera practically a low level of relative abundance. The proportions of the different families of soil macro-arthropods sampled varies from one locality to another and three large families were in the majority: Formicidae (32.4%), Acrididae (19.5%) and Tenobrionidae (15.7%). Soil macro-arthropod samples collected in Kodek, Sanguere Njoï and Gashiga, respectively recorded the highest species richness as well as the Shanon-Weaver Diversity and Evenness index. In all the arable soils of the localities studied, the soil arthropods tend to have an Equidistribution of individuals and Equitability varies from 0.5 to 0.8. The soil macro-arthropods collected in the arable land of the cotton zone of North Cameroon were mainly phytophagous and saprophagous with a strong beneficial potential in these different ecosystems.

Impact of Germinated off Season Sorghum Dietary on Apparent Digestibility and Small Intestinal Histology of Broilers in Maroua Far North Cameroon

In order to find a solution to maize in the composition of poultry feed, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the substitution of maize by germinated off-season sorghum as an alternative energy source on nutrients digestibility and histological of small intestinal of broilers. To achieve this, 180 of the 1-day-old chicks of the "Cobb 500" strain with a live weight of 34g ± 3.26, were randomly divided into 9 batches corresponding to 3 treatments with 3 replicates of 20 subjects. The batches were subjected to one of 3 diets: 100% maize (R0), 50% maize and 50% germinated off-season sorghum (R1) and 100% germinated off-season sorghum (R2). To achieve these objectives at 18 and then at 35 days of age, a total of 36 broilers were used, i.e. 18 in the start-up phase at a rate of 6 subjects per treatment and 18 in the growth/finishing phase at a rate of 6 subjects per treatment and the droppings and feed from digestibility trials; measured apparent digestibility (Ad) for energy, protein, fiber, mineral matter and organic matter; histological studies of the small intestine were performed. Energy, organic matter, mineral matter, proteins and fibres were not significantly influenced by the experimental diets used at the 0.05% threshold for digestibility and the histological sections did not show any structural and morphological alterations. We can therefore conclude that maize can be substituted at 50% and 100% by germinated off-season sorghum without negatively impacting digestibility in broilers at the start, as well as in growth/finishing.

Itinerary of a Christian Ex-Boko Haram bomb maker in Cameroon

Abstract This paper is a biography of Paul, a Christian who joined Boko Haram and became one of its prominent bomb makers. After coming out of the underground, he became an army auxiliary in Kolofata and its environs, in the far north of Cameroon. Paul’s autobiographical narratives were cross-checked with other sources, including interviews with former insurgents and hostages, and officials of the Cameroonian army and the Multinational Joint Task Force. Paul’s narrative offers insight to understand why an individual would join, make a career in, and leave a terrorist group. His life story highlights the issue of human rights in the context of counterinsurgency and the importance of psychological operations in the fight against Boko Haram.

Growth response of Vibrio cholerae O1 and V. cholerae non O1/non O139 strains to algae extracts from stream water in far north Cameroon.

Vibrio cholerae O1 or non O1/non O139 is found in water ecosystems where it colonizes phytoplankton and has different lifestyle. This study aimed to investigate the impact of some algae extracts on the survival/growth of both V. cholerae strains. Algae extracts consisting of three fractions, F1 containing chlorophyll-a, F2 containing chlorophyll-b, and F3 containing carotenoids, and raw extract (RAE) were obtained from the algal bloom collected in the Kaliao stream (Maroua, Cameroon). The survival and growth of V. cholerae O1 and V. cholerae non O1/non O139, in microcosms consisting of sterile saline with these extracts and peptone (PEP) respectively added at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/L, and 50/50 mixtures F1+F2, F2+F3, and F2+PEP at a concentration 0.05 mg/L, were compared during a 24h experiment. The microcosms F2 and RAE did not support the growth of O1 strain; V. cholerae non O1/non O139 count in all algae extract microcosms ranging from 3.97 log (CFU/mL) to 5.2 log (CFU/mL). In all PEP microcosms, the counts of both strains reached an uncountable value. Microcosms F1+F2 and F2+F3 supported the growth of V. cholerae O1 and V. cholerae non-O1/nonO139 strains. The algae compounds showed strain-specific effect on the growth of V. cholerae.

Humanitarian Architecture in Service of a Vulnerable Community: Design of an Empowerment Center for Refugee Women in the Minawao Camp in the Far North of Cameroon

This article presents the design of an empowerment center for refugee women in the Minawao camp, located in a Sudano-Sahelian region. The study identifies opportunities to improve living conditions through vocational training and economic empowerment programs. The architectural design, using local materials such as earth, addresses the specific needs of women while respecting cultural norms. The project, involving community participation, emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, and cost-efficiency in a humanitarian context.

Solar irrigation system: Analysis of the solution for livestock production in North Cameroon

This article examines the impact of implementing a solar irrigation system on livestock production in North Cameroon, a region marked by climatic challenges and increasingly dry conditions with 600 to 1,200 mm of rainfall per year and temperatures between 30°C and 40°C. Livestock farmers in the region rely heavily on natural pastures and forage crops to feed their livestock, but these resources are insufficient during periods of drought. The area is home to around 2 million head of cattle, with an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 head of sheep and 300,000 to 500,000 head of goats. Our methodology involved a comparative before-and-after analysis, where data on crop yields, pasture quality and animal performance were collected. Statistical simulation was used to assess improvements in pasture biomass, forage yield and animal performance. The results show significant improvements if the solar irrigation system is installed, with: a 30% increase in biomass; a 50% increase in forage yield with a 16.7% gain in animal weight; a 20% increase in milk production; a 30% reduction in forage procurement costs; and a 33.3% increase in income generated. These results indicate that solar irrigation will have a positive impact on farm productivity and profitability. The installation of a solar irrigation system in Northern Cameroon represents a sustainable and economically viable solution for improving livestock production in a region vulnerable to drought.In sub-Saharan Africa, solar irrigation systems have been successfully implemented in several countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Mali and Burkina Faso. These projects have demonstrated the viability of this technology in semi-arid and arid environments, with notable improvements in agricultural production and water management. The climatic and geographical conditions in Northern Cameroon are similar to those in the regions where solar irrigation systems have been tested.

Geochemical constraints for unravelling the conditions of sedimentation, Paleoclimate variations, and provenance and metallogenic implication of the Cretaceous sequence deposits along the Mayo Louti, Babouri-Figuil Basin (North Cameroon, Africa)

Geochemical constraints for unravelling the conditions of sedimentation, Paleoclimate variations, and provenance and metallogenic implication of the Cretaceous sequence deposits along the Mayo Louti, Babouri-Figuil Basin (North Cameroon, Africa)

Composting Cow Dung Enriched with Vivianite (Phosphocompost) for Agricultural Use in the Balaza Lawane Locality (Far North, Cameroon)

Aims: Soils in the Far North of Cameroon are deficient in organic matter and available phosphorus, making it difficult to intensify agricultural production. This affects the yield of several crops. With this in mind, a study has been carried out to produce cow dung compost enriched with vivianite, to improve soil quality in terms of organic matter and available phosphorus, and boost agricultural production. Study Design: A study was carried out to produce cow dung compost enriched with rock phosphate (Vivianite). Place and Duration of Study: Balaza Lawane in Far North Region of Cameroon. The sowing was done on January 15, 2021 until 20 april 2021. Methodology: To this end, we produced 3 organic amendments based on cow dung (a compost and two phospho-composts containing 10 and 20% of vivianite, respectively). Monitoring and chemical characterization of each of the three was carried out. A seed germination test was also carried out, on petri dishes in a completely randomized block design repeated three times. Results: Physico-chemical analyses reveal that the soil at the Balaza Lawane site has a Sandy clay loam granulometry and an acid pH (6.8); it is low in organic matter and available phosphorus. The monitoring of the amendments showed that the temperature, the pH, and even the moisture content of the amendments changed in the same way over time. The application of vivianite powder improved the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus content of the phosphocomposts compared to the compost. Phytotoxicity tests showed that our various amendments had no phytotoxic effects. The 20 and 10% phosphocomposts showed higher germination index than the other treatments (157.33±16.32% and 157.01±15.32% respectively). An analysis of variance revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) threshold. Conclusion: Compost enriched with 20% vivianite produced more available phosphorus, and showed no phytotoxicity. This phosphocompost is proving to be the most effective crop amendment on Balaza Lawane soil.

Transition towards net zero emissions: Integration of a PV/T system with a hydroelectric generator and the impact of demand-side management

With the aim of diversifying different energy sources and achieving net zero emissions, hybrid renewable energy sources (HRES) represent the future of the world. However, several HRES simulation software do not integrate the Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system. This article designs an optimal design model for a tri-hybrid Photovoltaic/thermal/hydroelectric (PV/T/H) system for a rural locality in the North Cameroon region. The two Demand Side Management (DSM) strategies used reveal that the DSM strategy significantly reduced the energy cost by 59 % and the emission by CO2 22 % compared to the No-DSM mode. Although the use of battery storage (BSS) is used in both cases, the optimal solutions obtained thanks to the multi-objective optimization method implemented on Matlab led to 418 PV/T panels, 2 MH generators, 2 diesel generators (DG) and 217 PV/T panels and 1 DG for DSM and No-DSM mode respectively. This study is a demonstration of the effect of dynamic tariffs and active demand management technologies on PV/T/H modeling and optimization. It also reveals the need to hybridize PV/T with other energy systems to increase performance and achieve net zero emissions.

Effect of the Botanical Insecticides on <i>Amegilla</i> Friese, 1897 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Foraging on the Cowpea Flowers in Dang (Adamaoua, North-Cameroon)

Synthetic pesticides present risks of pollution of the environment, humans and livestock and the alternative proposed today is to use botanical extracts in the fields against crop pests. But in North Cameroon, little information exists concerning the effect of these extracts on useful pollinating insects in general and no information exists in particular on foragers of the genus <i>Amegilla</i> Friese, 1897 (Apidae: Apinae: Anthophorini). The frequency and foraging activities of <i>Amegilla</i>, on newly blooming flowers of <i>Vigna unguiculata </i>(L.) Walp., 1843 (Fabales: Fabaceae) were recorded during five consecutive days in 2021 and 2022 planting campaigns. Plants were divided into untreated plots and plots treated using the synthetic insecticide Parastar (l p.c..ha<sup>-1</sup>) or 10%, 20% and 30% aqueous leaf extracts of <i>Calotropis procera</i> (Aiton) Aiton, 1811 (Gentianales: Apocynaceae), <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis </i>Dehnh., 1832 (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) and <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> (Hemsley) Gray, 1883 (Asterales: Asteraceae) respectively. Among 8,987 insects collected (48.9% in 2021), <i>Amegila calens</i> Le Peletier. 1841 with stockier foragers (2021 campaign: 2.2% of the total collection, entomophily F<sub><i>A. calens</i></sub>=4.5%; 2022 campaign: 0.7%, F<sub><i>A. calens</i></sub>=1.3%; pooled campaigns: 2.9%, F<sub><i>A. calens</i></sub>=2.9%) and <i>Amegilla</i> sp. with slender foragers (2021: 3.8%, F<sub><i>Amegilla </i>sp.</sub>=7.7%; 2022: no data) were recorded. Foragers started activity from 6 a.m. and stopped foraging before noon, with a peak of activity in 8 to 9 a.m. time slot for <i>A. calens </i>and 10 to 11 a.m. time slot for <i>Amegilla</i> sp.. During the five consecutive days from the first blooming day of the flowers, 598 visits (89.8% in 2021 and 10.2% in 2022) were recorded with a peak of visits during the 3<sup>rd</sup> day and then declined until it stopped during the 5<sup>th</sup> day. Treatments including the synthetic insecticide (which was the most repellent to the wild bees), did not significantly reduce the frequency of visits. But 20% aqueous extract of <i>Ca. procera</i> showed a significant increased of the mean duration of visits of the bees, compare to the results recorded in Parastar-treated plots. Therefore, the tested extracts, especially 20% aqueous leaves extract of <i>Ca. procera</i> may be recommended to control field insect pests and for preservation of foraging activities of <i>Amegilla </i>genus.

Routine community-based vitamin A supplementation compared to the Mass campaign among 6-59-months old’s children in two health districts, Far North Cameroon

Introduction: Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is one of the most cost-effective interventions with the greatest impact in reducing child mortality. Mass campaigns are costly, donor-driven, and heavily dependent on funding for mass immunization campaigns. We analyzed routine community-based VAS (rVAS) coverage using the pilot approach of strengthening community participation versus the mass campaign strategy during the “Mother and Child Health and Nutrition Action Week” (MCHNAW). Methods: This was a descriptive study among from children under five prospectively followed up in a VAS program in Kaele and Guidiguis health districts. We performed a descriptive analysis of data from routine VAS program after capacity building of Community Health Workers (CHW) and compared them with data from the MCHNAW in the period October 2019 and May 2020. Data were collected in the health facilities from the registers to ODK Kobocollect and analyzed by Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: rVAS showed 95.29% (92.49% Kaele; 98.49% Guidiguis) coverage for children aged 6-11 months (first dose). And 98.29% (97.71% Kaele & 98.77% Guidiguis) coverage for children aged 12-59 months (2nd dose). In comparison, VAS coverage in the mass campaign was lower with 68.46% (61.80% Kaele 72.42% Guidiguis) for 6-11 months and 62.57% (61.27% Kaele & 63.28% Guidiguis) for 12-59 months. These coverages are also lower, compared to the national target coverage (80%). rVAS showed high coverage (>92%) compared to Mass campaign and national target among 6–59-months age children in both health district in the far North Cameroon. However, this study has not analyzed the cost of both strategies of VAS. Conclusion: Reinforce the routine community-based VAS showed the best coverage to reach children under-five compared to the mass campaign VAS. However, there is need more cost-effectiveness studies to confirm whether strengthening community-based VAS could be a better practice versus mass campaign.

Mineralogical evolution and Cretaceous paleoclimate inferences in the central Koum Basin, North Cameroon

Mineralogical evolution and Cretaceous paleoclimate inferences in the central Koum Basin, North Cameroon

Farmers' Perception of Calotropis procera on the Soil and Productivity of Off-Season Sorghum (Sorghum durra) in Magoumai, Gawar and Laf, Far North Cameroon

Farmers' Perception of Calotropis procera on the Soil and Productivity of Off-Season Sorghum (Sorghum durra) in Magoumai, Gawar and Laf, Far North Cameroon

Comparative efficacy of five insecticides against key insect pests of dry-season onion (Allium cepa L.) in Meskine, Far North Cameroon

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of five insecticides for controlling the primary insect pests of dry-season onions in Meskine, Far North of Cameroon. The goal was to identify the insecticide that ensures a better yield for late-transplanted dry-season onion crops. To achieve this objective, a trial was conducted using a completely randomized experimental block design, with six treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of Cypercal (Cypermethrin 120 g/L, Profenofos 600 g/L), Neem oil solution + Neem cake (Azadirachtin), Optimal (Acetamiprid 200 g/Kg), Pacha (Lambda-cyhalothrin 15 g/L, Acetamiprid 10 g/L), Rapax (Bacillus thuringiensis), and a control. Applications of the treatments were carried out using an ULVA sprayer on the leaves between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Observations focused on growth and yield parameters, which were evaluated based on the various treatments applied. Data collected were analyzed using STATGRAPHIC Centurion XVI.I software at a 5% significance rate. Results showed that among the four insect species recorded on the leaves, thrips were the most prevalent, constituting 33.37% of the total population, followed by caterpillars (23.82%), aphids (22.32%), and locusts (20.48%). The analysis of variance revealed that among the growth parameters, only plant height was significantly affected by the application of the different insecticides. The highest marketable bulb yield was achieved with Cypercal, yielding 13.53 tons per hectare, compared to the control’s 6 tons per hectare. Consequently, Cypercal has been identified as an effective alternative to Optimal, which is commonly used by growers to enhance yields of this dry-season crop.

Climate change and rice yield in the far north of Cameroon: reciprocal effects using the vector autoregressive model

Climate change and rice yield in the far north of Cameroon: reciprocal effects using the vector autoregressive model

Landscape Drivers of Floods Genesis (Case Study: Mayo Mizao Peri-Urban Watershed in Far North Cameroon)

Landscape has significant effects on hydrological processes in a watershed. In the Sudano-Sahelian area, watersheds are subjected to a quick change in landscape patterns due to the human footprint, and the exact role of the actual landscape features in the modification of the hydrological process remains elusive. This study tends to assess the effects of landscape on the genesis of the runoff in the Mayo Mizao watershed. To achieve this goal, 62 infiltration tests were performed at different points and depths (5 cm and 20 cm) using the double-ring method and the Porchet method. The results show that the combination of many factors (soil type, land use, and farming practices) can guide the hydraulic conductivity behavior of soils. For example, at 5 cm depths, clayey-evolved soils, such as vertisols and halomorphic soils, inhibit infiltration, as opposed to non-evolved mineral soils, such as lithosols and clayey-sandy soils. However, at 20 cm depths, gray soils with halomorphic tendencies followed by vertisols have a low sensitivity to infiltration, as opposed to soils derived from loose materials and halomorphic soils. For a given soil type, rainfed crops are the primary land use that runs against infiltration. However, the effect of tillage varies according to the soil type. Finally, given the extent of vertisols and halomorphic soils in the Far North region of Cameroon in general, and in the Mayo Mizao watershed in particular, and regarding the increase in cultivated areas, a probable reduction in the infiltration capacity of soils in this region is to be expected in the medium term. The results of this study can be used as a basis for land-use planning and sustainable watershed management in semi-arid tropical zones.

Geochemical constrains for unravelling the condition of sedimentation, provenance, paleoclimate variation, and metallogenic implication of the cretaceous deposits of Mayo Oulo Basin (North Cameroon, Africa)

The sediments from the Mayo Oulo intracontinental Basin, along the N–S cross section between the Gadavou and Lombel localities in central part of the basin, were investigated through major and trace elements geochemistry associated with palynological analysis to determine their condition of sedimentation, paleoclimate evolution and metallogenic implication along the Cretaceous sequence from the N–S cross section of the central part of this basin. From bottom to top of this sequence there are various types of facies with various concentrations of carbonate. Based on their major oxides compositions, the sediments were classified as Shales associated with Fe-shales, Fe-sands, Wacke and Litharenite. The CIX (Chemical Index of Alteration, 62.65 to 98.14) and PIX (Plagioclase Index of Alteration, 65.00 to 99.13) sediments underwent a various chemical weathering; little chemical weathering in the middle to the upper part of the sequence and moderate to high chemical weathering in the lower part. The discriminant function-based multidimensional tectonic diagrams indicate mainly and respectively arc-collisional and Island arc-active continental margin settings which are consistent with the Precambrian geological history of the study area. The SiO2 vs. Al2O3+K2O + Na2O, C-values, associated with trace elements plots such as Sr/Ba, and Rb/Sr, and palynological content (continental or terrestrial species exclusively, dominated by Gymnosperm pollens such as. Inaperturopollenites sp., Araucariacites sp. and Classopollis sp, associated with spores such as Cicatricosisporites sp) indicate mainly arid to semi-arid climate with periodic humid to semi-humid conditions. The Sr/Ba values ranging from 0.084 to 6.408 suggest a fluctuating and sometimes high salinity (Hypersaline milieu). The rare earth elements data show high LREE/HREE ratios (2.86–13.31); high negative and positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu∗ = 0.33 to 1.38) and no Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce∗ = 0.94 to 1.02); these features, together with mixed major and trace element ratios and plots such as, Al2O3/TiO2 ratios (14.31–54.26); Th/Co ratios (0.30–14.58); Ce vs La/Yb, Zr vs TiO2 and La/Sc vs Th/Co plots, indicate that the sediments are derived mainly from felsic to intermediate or mafic rock composition. Ni/Co (1.86–3.59) and U/Th (0.03–0.76) ratios are consistent with oxic conditions from bottom to top of the sequence. The Al/Si ratio shows positive correlation with CIA, Th, Zr, Hf, Na, K and negative correlation with Ca and Mg. The positive correlation with K, Hf, Na, Zr, and Th from detrital origin and negative correlation with Ca and Mg from chemical origin could suggest the geochemical composition control of grain size. According to the ternary Al–Fe–Mn diagram metallogenic classification, the studied samples are essentially terrigenous and partially weakly metalliferous, close to those from the Babouri –Figuil and Mamfe Basins (Cameroon) and contrary to those from the Sob area (Polar Urals). No marine or transitional fossil species are recorded. The presence of numerous tetrads to dyads indicate a lacustrine or swampy environment surrounded by vegetation.

Contribution of Remote Sensing Data and GIS to Digital Soil Mapping in a Semi-Arid Zone of North Cameroon (Central Africa)

Contribution of Remote Sensing Data and GIS to Digital Soil Mapping in a Semi-Arid Zone of North Cameroon (Central Africa)