Northwestern Cameroon Research Articles

Mapping suitable habitat for Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzees in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, North-Western Cameroon

Great apes lose suitable habitats required for their reproduction and survival due to human activities across their distribution range in Africa. Little is known about habitat suitability of the Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzee [Pan troglodytes ellioti (Matschie, 1914)], particularly for populations inhabiting forest reserves in North-West Cameroon. To address this knowledge gap, we employed a common species distribution model (MaxEnt) to map and predict suitable habitats for the Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzee in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, North-West Cameroon, based on environmental factors that potentially affect habitat suitability. We related these environmental factors to a dataset of chimpanzee occurrence points recorded during line transect and reconnaissance (recce) surveys in the forest reserve and surrounding forests. Up to 91% of the study area is unsuitable for chimpanzees. Suitable habitats only represented 9% of the study area, with a high proportion of highly suitable habitats located outside the forest reserve. Elevation, secondary forests density, distance to villages and primary forests density were the most important predictors of habitat suitability for the Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzee. The probability of chimpanzee occurrence increased with elevation, secondary forest density and distance from villages and roads. Our study provides evidence that suitable chimpanzee habitat in the reserve is degraded, suggesting that efforts to maintain protected areas are insufficient. The reserve management plan needs to be improved to conserve the remaining suitable habitat and to avoid local extinction of this endangered subspecies.

Growing up in Nso: Changes and continuities in children's relational networks during the first three years of life

AbstractIt is an undisputed fact among attachment researchers that children need stability and continuity in their caregiving environment for optimal developmental outcomes. However, anthropological studies show that informal and often temporally limited kinship‐based foster care, including changes of children's primary caregivers, is widespread in some cultural contexts and considered normative and thus beneficial for children. Based on ethnographic interviews with Nso families in northwestern Cameroon, we analyzed the dynamics of caregiving arrangements and relational networks during infancy and early childhood. Exploring household compositions, caregiving responsibilities, children's preferred caregivers, and foster care arrangements revealed multiple caregiver networks, with the importance of the mother decreasing and the importance of alloparents and peers increasing as the children grow older. Also, families have fluid boundaries, with about one‐third of the children changing households in the first three years of life. The Nso children's experiences reflect a relational cultural model of infant care as a cooperative task and a communal conception of attachment. The results are discussed in relation to attachment theory's claims about universal patterns of development.

In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of the Antimalarial Activities of Kniphofia reflexa Hutchinson ex Codd

In a phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Kniphofia reflexa, an endemic plant used to treat relapsing fevers in Kejom, northwestern Cameroon, 12 known (1-12) compounds were obtained following chromatographic methods and purification, together with 3 new derivatives (13-15) prepared by acetylation. One-dimensional and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies together with infrared and ultraviolet spectral analyses in association with data found in the literature were used to determine the structure of the compounds. In the in vitro evaluation of compounds 1-9, 12-14, and the crude extract against Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains, cassiamin C (1) [IC50 0.57 ± 0.54 (D6); 0.78 ± 0.08 (W2)], and crude extract [IC50 1.06 ± 0.22 (D6); 1.08 ± 0.12 (W2)] were highly active against the parasites. Kniphofiarexine (12) was inactive. However, its derivative, kniphofiarexine B (14), was moderately active. In the in vivo studies, the extract suppressed Plasmodium berghei growth, but did not clear completely the parasites.

Tectonic setting, fluid inclusion and gold mineralization of the southwest Poli region (northern Cameroon Domain)

This paper documents original petrographic and structural data on metamorphic and magmatic rocks as well as the occurrence of gold mineralization in the Dourou Tchaga area (SW Poli) in the northwestern Cameroon domain. The study area is dominated by high-grade gneisses derived from a volcanic-sedimentary series alternating with orthogneiss and magmatic rocks. Four main deformation stages were distinguish comprising the early D1 and D2 deformations showing ductile behavior under amphibolite to granulite facies, followed by retrogression into greenschist facies. D3 and D4 are characterized by ductile-brittle and late brittle structures. Gold mineralization is hosted in laminated quartz veins in steeply dipping, ENE–WSW-trending, sinistral shear zone developed during D3. Host rocks are high-grade metamorphic paragneiss and orthogneiss. Ore minerals include native gold, galena, sphalerite, pyrite and chalcopyrite; wall rock alteration assemblage includes stable pyrite, magnetite and hematite. This assemblage together with specific quartz microstructures indicate gold mineralization at lower greenschist facies conditions. Gold is disseminated in quartz veins and wall rock alteration zones, where it occurs as free grains but also as inclusions in pyrite and sphalerite. Two types of fluid inclusions are distinguished: aqueous-carbonic CO2–H2O and aqueous (H2O), both with low to moderate (2.0–13.9 wt% NaCleq) salinity and variable CO2 content of 13–23 mole% for the aqueous-carbonic fluid inclusions. Fluid inclusions data and alteration assemblage provide evidence that gold precipitation in quartz veins occurred in response to an increase in fO2 caused by fluid pressure fluctuations in the shear zone. Gold mineralization in the northern Cameroon domain was formed during post-collisional stage and retrograde exhumation of the terrane in the greenschist facies toward the end of the Panafrican Orogeny.

Examining Farmers’ Resilience to Climate Change and Policy Ramifications in North-West Cameroon

Over half of the world’s population depends on smallholder farms for their daily food needs. However, high levels of vulnerability and low levels of resilience to the adverse effects of climatic variations and changes constitute major threats to smallholder farms and farmers. It is within this context that this paper assessed the levels of resilience of smallholder farmers as well as the factors affecting smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change in north western Cameroon. A mixed research approach was adopted during data collection, and data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that climate extremes were the order of the day, and farmers perceived income level, practice of agroforestry and land accessibility as the main determinants of resilience. The main resilience option practiced by most smallholder farmers was agroforestry. Chi-square and t-test statistics showed the existence of a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between smallholder farmers resilience to climate change and different environmental, institutional and socio-economic variables. Logistic regression coefficients showed the existence of a statistically significant cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) between farmers’ resilience to climate change and different environmental, institutional and socio-economic variables such as income level, land accessibility, credit accessibility, information accessibility and number of farms. From the foregoing, income level, land accessibility, credit accessibility, information accessibility and number of farms play a significant role towards enhancing smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change. Policy makers therefore need to factor in these variables when crafting policies geared towards improving smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change.

Livelihood resilience to environmental changes in areas of Kenya and Cameroon: a comparative analysis

Climate change is a major challenge for the agricultural sector worldwide. Smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change owing to their high dependence on agriculture for livelihood sustenance. Building smallholder farmers’ livelihood resilience to the adverse effects of environmental change is critical to addressing their vulnerabilities. This paper comparatively assessed livelihood resilience of smallholder farmers in Isiolo County, Kenya and Northwestern Cameroon in the face of environmental changes. The results are based on household surveys of 339 farmers in Kenya and 350 farmers in Cameroon. Findings showed that using the same measures of livelihood resilience, farmers’ resilience were significantly different in the Kenyan and Cameroonian study areas (p < 0.05), with farmers in Cameroon being relatively more resilient than farmers in Kenya. In both study sites, a statistically significant causal relationship (p < 0.05) existed between farmers’ resilience and livelihood capital assets such as human capital (number of household members between 18 to 55 years, education level), natural capital (number of farms, size of farmland, number of agroforestry trees on the farm), financial capital (access to bank account, ownership of livestock, ownership of farmland, trees, and farm equipment), social capital (participation in agricultural group), and physical capital (use of irrigation). However, some livelihood capital assets were more important for building resilience in Isiolo County, Kenya while others were more important in Northwestern Cameroon. On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that climate change adaptation interventions and policies should take a critical look at the determinants of resilience in order to come up with effective plans of action that can enhance farmers’ resilience to environmental changes occurring in Kenya and Cameroon, and elsewhere.

Aquifer potential of the transboundary crystalline-sedimentary complexes: from Northcentral Nigeria to Northwestern Cameroon border

ABSTRACT The aquifer system was apparently hidden but has been revealed as linked to transboundary aquifers; hence, additional info for data update of the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Center (IGRAC). The aquifer was explored for the purpose of Internationally Shared Aquifer Resource Management (ISARM). It advanced from fractured aquifers at upstream to the multilayered aquifer system toward downstream. The watershed was explored from Northcentral Nigeria to Cameroon border with electrical sounding. Geological/Hydrogeological details were locally concentrated at the center of the watershed via drilling program, aquifer tests, and hydrological modeling. Aquifer stress index (AQSI) of the region was reviewed from the existing global dataset. Results revealed aquifer provenances from crystalline and sedimentary complexes. The aquifers were relatively inferred at third and fourth geoelectrical layers at upstream and downstream, respectively. Generally, drilling operation showed depth as ≥50.0 m. Most boreholes showed drawdown of ≤5.0 m and transmissivity of ≥100 m2/day, signifying the prolific nature of the aquifer system and enormous groundwater recharge. The AQSI ≤ 0.1 signified a stress-free aquifer. Concentrations of solutes are within nutritional background, yet moderately hard with bicarbonate/carbonate concentrations that can degrade the irrigation quality. Precipitates (CaCO3) from limestone provenance may hamper borehole yields at downstream alluvium. Thus, injection of gypsum at the groundwater recharge zones is a certified remedial.

Climate Variability and the Emergence of Malaria: Case of Kumbo Central Sub-Division, North West Region, Cameroon

Climate variability and change is a major driver of infectious diseases around the world. This study sought to investigate the role of climate variability on the emergence of malaria in the North West region of Cameroon. Both biophysical and socio-economic data were collected for this study. Biophysical data, mainly secondary, was collected from meteorological stations (rainfall and temperature data) and hospitals (malaria morbidity and mortality statistics) in the study area. Socio-economic data were collected from primary sources, mainly, survey of households and hospitals, using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 164 questionnaires were distributed amongst medical personnel and the general public (aged 18-70 years). Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that patterns of fluctuation in climate parameters did not have a perfect match with rates of prevalence of malaria. However, some relatively significant correlation was found to exist between certain aspects of climate and rates of prevalence of malaria. It was noted that other drivers are involved in influencing rates of prevalence of malaria besides climate variability and change. Amongst the impacts of malaria prevalence on the population were high rates of morbidity and mortality. The population employed treated mosquito bed nets as the main coping strategy for fighting against malaria. The study recommends that the health sector should incorporate the phenomena of climate variability and change into its policy framework, and more research should be conducted to assess other drivers of malaria prevalence in north western Cameroon.

Gemstones-bearing sediments in the Mbiame floodplain, northwestern Cameroon

Sediment samples obtained from pits in the Mbiame floodplain gemstone prospect in the northwestern part of Cameroon were studied for their bulk geochemical properties together with the mineral composition of the gemstones found therein to decipher their provenance. Five main layers were isolated in each pit comprising an organic rich humus layer, muddy layer, unconsolidated and poorly sorted sandy layer, clay layer and gravel layer. The gravel layer is the most high-yielding in terms of gemstones content. The sediments have high rare earth element (REE) concentrations varying between 135 and 456 ppm with variable light/heavy rare earth element (LREE/HREE) ratio values (5.8–21.5). REE chondrite normalized patterns show similar high LREE enrichment and no Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.9 − ~ 1) for all samples. The gemstones selected from the various horizons range in color from light gray, light blue/green, dark blue, pale brown and red. Some of the grains have zircon and ilmenite mineral inclusions while some of the zoned grains show simple core—rim zonation as well as oscillatory and sectorial zoning patterns. Bulk sediment geochemistry of sediments from the Mbiame gem prospect suggests an igneous provenance generally of felsic intermediate source input. The alluvial gemstones from the Mbiame gem prospect are the sapphire variety of corundum and the grains combined with zircon and ilmenite inclusions and megacrysts suggest a derivation from felsic to intermediate igneous rocks.

Growing struggle over rising demand: How land use change and complex farmer-grazier conflicts impact grazing management in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Continuous population growth and rapid urbanization rates in West and Central Africa are associated with rising demand for fresh vegetables and animal-based products, providing market opportunities for local producers from the surrounding areas. However, in regions such as northwestern Cameroon where pastoral cattle breeding remains an important part of the local livestock sector, competition over dwindling resources with local crop farmers are increasing due to progressive land-use change from natural and traditional grazing areas into agricultural land.In order to determine the main areas of conflict and their interdependencies, we used a multi-temporal land-use classification and a multi-dimensional participatory approach of collecting spatial data from six representative Mbororo cattle herds, equipped with GPS collars. We combined this with 162 map-based interviews with randomly sampled pastoralists on seasonal grazing areas, grazing management, land ownership, and major constraints to herding. This data set was complemented by the perspectives of 40 randomly sampled crop farmers from four major transhumance zones.Both parties identified farmer-grazier conflicts as a serious constraint for their activities in the rainy season (graziers: 23.9 %; farmers: 22.5 %) and particularly in the dry season (36.3 %; 47.2 %). Land tenure issues will be of critical importance in the future as only very few respondents held an official land title, and pastoralists appeared less prepared for land disputes than crop farmers, who more often claimed land ownership through fencing. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing and implementing alliance farming strategies that are based on dialogue between both interest groups to avoid further escalation within a region already in a conflict-ridden political environment.

Childhood burns in Shisong, Northwestern Cameroon

Objective: The study aimed to highlight the pattern and treatment outcome of childhood burn injuries in northwestern Cameroon. Such reports are expected to provide preventive and improvement guidelines in our settings in the long run. Methods: Forty-two consecutive patients under fifteen with burns injuries managed at our facility were prospectively enrolled in the study. Results: The study population was 42 patients, which consisted of 23 (54%) male and 19 (46%) female, with the median 2.40±3.05 years, interquartile range of 1-14 years. The most frequent timing of burns was about mid-day (median 11:50 am). The majority of injuries were right at the patient's homes (70% cases). Interestingly, 4%, 15%, and 20% applied raw-egg, ice, and nothing as the first intervention for their children burns, respectively. Scald burns were the leading category of wounds (p&lt;0.012). The majority of the cases were minor burns injuries with TBSA of 1-12% (p=0.002), with a mortality rate of 4%. Conclusion: Burns is still a significant health problem among children in northwestern Cameroon. Considering the application of raw egg and others like local herbs, therefore pre-hospital interventions may be harmful in our settings. Early and prompt response may be desirable, with strong advocacy for aggressive and urgent public health enlightenment campaigns on the prevention of childhood.

Childhood burns in Shisong, Northwestern Cameroon

Childhood burns in Shisong, Northwestern Cameroon

Diversity, above-ground biomass, and vegetation patterns in a tropical dry forest in Kimbi-Fungom National Park, Cameroon

Research highlightsThis study is one of few detailed analyses of plant diversity and vegetation patterns in African dry forests. We established permanent plots to characterize plant diversity, above-ground biomass, and vegetation patterns in a tropical dry forest in Kimbi-Fungom National Park, Cameroon. Our results contribute to long-term monitoring, predictions, and management of dry forest ecosystems, which are often vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures. Background and objectivesConsiderable consensus exists regarding the importance of dry forests in species diversity and carbon storage; however, the relationship between dry forest tree species composition, species richness, and carbon stock is not well established. Also, simple baseline data on plant diversity are scarce for many dry forest ecosystems. This study seeks to characterize floristic diversity, vegetation patterns, and tree diversity in permanent plots in a tropical dry forest in Northwestern Cameroon (Kimbi-Fungom National Park) for the first time. Materials and methodsWe studied associations between above-ground biomass and species composition, and how different vegetation types vary in terms of species composition, diversity, and carbon storage, in a dry forest in Kimbi-Fungom National Park, Cameroon. Vegetation was inventoried in 17 permanent 1-ha plots. Allometric equations were used to calculate above-ground biomass and carbon. ResultsWe found an average of 269.8 tree stems ha−1 and 43.1 species ha−1. Five vegetation types: semi-deciduous, gallery, mixed vegetation, secondary and the grassland/woody savanna forest were classified using TWINSPAN analysis. The five vegetation types had an average above-ground biomass of 149.2 t ha−1 and 74.6 tC ha−1 of carbon in the 17 ha analyzed. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed the importance of semi-deciduous forest over grassland/woody savanna forest. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the forest of the Kimbi-Fungom National Park is poor in plant diversity, biomass, and carbon, highlighting the need to implement efficient management practices. Fine-scale inventory data of species obtained in this study could be useful in developing predictive models for efficient management of tropical dry forests.

The importance of livelihood strategy and ethnicity in forest ecosystem services’ perceptions by local communities in north-western Cameroon

Human culture has an important influence on how forests are utilised, yet its influence on ecosystem service (ES) use and valuation remains underexplored. We address this gap by investigating how livelihood strategy and ethnicity affect local peoples’ perceptions of forest ES in Cameroon. Data were collected through 20 focus-group discussions in villages of farmers (Oku and Banso) and pastoralists (Fulani) in two mountains.Pastoralists identified fewer ES than farmers, and used some ES differently (e.g. wildlife was only valued for aesthetics instead of as food). Some differences were also observed between farmer groups (e.g. identity link with the forest unique to Oku farmers). While water availability was perceived as the most important forest ES for all groups, the second most important was fodder for pastoralists and medicine resources for farmers. Pastoralists also identified fewer useful forest species, most likely related to their origin in the lowlands.Our findings help highlight trade-offs in important ES for different groups (fodder vs. medicine resources), and in access to certain ES (e.g. Fulani pastoralists’ unequitable access to tourism and forest income). We show that locals dependent on provisioning ES are not a homogenous group and that the wider socio-cultural context has to be taken into account for conservation and development projects to be successful.

Typhoid ileal perforation in Shisong, Northwestern Cameroon

Background: The study aims to provide an overview of the spectrum of perforated typhoid fever cases and their outcome that were managed in resource constrained rural mission hospital, Northwestern of Cameroon. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study which was conducted in St Elizabeth Catholic General Hospital, Shisong, Northwestern region of Cameroon over a two year period covering January 2016 and December 2018. The patients included were those admitted and diagnosed of typhoid ileal perforation. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS computer software version 22. Results: During the study period, thirty-eight patients underwent surgery for typhoid ileal perforation. They included 26 (68.43%) males and 12 (31.57%) females with Male to Female ratio of 2.2: 1. Sixty -five percent of cases occurred between the months of July and September. The most common presentations were with abdominal pains (92.11%), and abdominal distention (92.11%). X-ray abdomen revealed pneumo -peritoneum in 26 (68.4%) cases, while ultrasound detected free peritoneal collection in 34 (90%) cases. Perforations were surgically treated depending upon the number of perforations, general health status of patient and degree of fecal contamination. Perforated typhoid still carries dismal prognosis. The mortality was associated with duration of delay in obtaining blood pre - operatively for patients requiring transfusion (p=0.018) and duration of presentation to operation time interval (p=0.026). Conclusion: Typhoid intestinal perforation is still endemic in our setting with dismal prognosis. Urgent public health concerted effort is required with emphasis on preventive measures such as safe drinking water, appropriate sewage disposal, and typhoid vaccination. Educating the populace on early and prompt diagnosis, adequate resuscitation as well as early surgery in patients with typhoid ileal perforation to keep the mortality low.

A bull gore injury: a rare case report and review of the literature

Background: Bull gore injuries are not common in a city set up but are common in the rural areas. The range of injuries varies from abdominal, chest, scrotal injuries which are quite different from the usual injuries seen in the emergency and casualty like road traffic injuries and stab injuries. We report a rare case of bull gore injury seen in a 38-year-old farmer, managed in this peripheral mission hospital one involving a stray domestic bull, its management as well as review of the literature. It is aimed that the knowledge gained from analyses of these injuries may be beneficial to other clinicians in general and also applicable to the management of similar injuries sustained in rodeo or agricultural settings. Case Presentation: A 38-year-old male farmer of Kumbo origin, Northwestern Cameroon was seen at the emergency department after being hit by a stray domestic bull in his farm. He presented with a complaint of pain in the left iliac fossa, actively bleeding deep laceration in the left inguinal region and a left scrotal swelling. On presentation, his vital parameters (blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg, pulse rate: 82/minute, respiratory rate: 18/minute, temperature: 37.10 Celcius) were stable. On physical examination, the eviscerated left testes and cord was visible at the edge of a deep laceration in the left inguinal region and there was moderate swelling in the left iliac fossa. Rectal examination did not reveal additional finding. The bowel sounds were normal. We made a clinical diagnosis of penetrating abdominal injury with evisceration of left testes. The findings from the initial laboratory studies; Chest and plain abdomen radiographs were essentially normal. Focused abdominal sonography for trauma showed minimal free fluid in the left paracolic gutter and pelvis as well as diffuse hypoechoic mass (hematoma) of anterior abdominal wall essentially in the left iliac fossa. He was resuscitated on intravenous fluids, IV Ceftriaxone 1gm 12hourly, IV Metronidazole 500mg 8hourly, IV Paracetamol 1gm 8hourly. He also had anti-tetanus prophylaxis and was thereafter transferred to the OR. He had exploratory laparotomy, and left groin exploration; extensive left groin wound debridement with evacuation of hemoperitoneum, orchidopexy and wound closure over left pelvic as well as scrotal drains. The post-operative period was uneventful with optimal recovery. The patient was subsequently discharged on the seventh post-operative day and had since been seen in the surgical outpatient clinic at three weekly intervals for six months with satisfactory outcome. Conclusion: Trauma due to animals especially those caused by bull horn could be life threatening as well as leave disability due to the site involvement. Early intervention and trauma surgery can be both lifesaving and could also prevent disability at a later stage. Management of bull gore injury can be challenging to the surgeon who needs have high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of this condition and take a call on type of management. Also, surgical repair of the injury is also difficult because of the complex anatomy and the less accessibility. There is an increasing priority for preventive measures to curtail such mishaps. Keywords: Bull horn Injury; Abdominal Trauma; Bull-Fight; Goring; Evisceration

A modified open omental plugging of peptic ulcer perforation in a mission hospital, northwestern cameroon

A modified open omental plugging of peptic ulcer perforation in a mission hospital, northwestern cameroon

Occupancy and Conservation Prospects of Endemic Banded Wattle-Eye Platysteira laticincta in the Kilum–Ijim Community Forest, Northwestern Cameroon

The banded wattle-eye bird species, BWE ( Platysteira laticincta) is rare, endangered, and endemic to the Bamenda Highlands, Western Cameroon. Kilum–Ijim Community Forest is its last stronghold. Little is known about BWE’s distribution and habitat requirements—the present baseline study aimed at reducing this knowledge gap. Bird occurrence—using call playback technique—and vegetation variables were recorded in 50-m radius sampling plots placed in the altitude range 2,100 to 2,800 m. The BWE occurred at 43 (35%) of 123 plots mostly within Kilum sector of the Community Forest, at altitude range 2,168 to 2,707 m. The log-odds of BWE occurrence significantly (a) increased with canopy height, herb relative abundance, bare soil relative abundance, and shrub relative abundance and (b) decreased with altitude and understory height. These results suggest that the BWE may prefer forest areas at lower altitude with more bare ground and denser undergrowth cover. The implications for BWE conservation are discussed.

Factors Influencing Coffee Farmers’ Decisions to Join Cooperatives

The role of cooperatives in buffering the effects of imperfect markets on smallholder agriculture especially in developing countries has been widely atoned. However, and in spite of eminent advantages, not all smallholder farmers join cooperatives. We use empirical data from coffee farmers in Northwestern Cameroon to identify key factors driving coffee farmers&amp;rsquo; decisions to join or not to join a cooperative. Using a standardized questionnaire, data was collected from 140 randomly selected farmers (members and non-members) in contact with North West Cooperative Association Limited (NWCA). Data collection took place in January 2018, with 2017 as the reference period. We use the data to characterize the coffee sector in the region, and to identify key drivers for cooperative membership. 41.4% and 58.6% were NWCA members and nonmembers respectively. The area of land under coffee cultivation, dominant income source, household size, experience in coffee farming, and timely payment of farmers&amp;rsquo; dues by the cooperative were the key factors influencing coffee farmers&amp;rsquo; decision to join the cooperative or not (P=0.05). Identifying such drivers from farmers&amp;rsquo; perspectives and informing policy decisions can increase competitive advantage of smallholder farmers and reduce the effects of market imperfection, as embedded in cooperative concept. This should render the concept once more attractive and portray it as a rational option to many smallholder farmers.

English

Malaria interventions - vector control using long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) or indoor residual spraying, chemoprevention and case management including diagnosis and treatment of infections - are highly effective and affordable. These interventions have led to a significant reduction in malaria prevalence, and a marked decline in morbidity and mortality associated. Despite these increasing control efforts, this parasitic disease is still persisting in most African countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with malaria infection in the Obang Valley (North Western Cameroon) in order to identify potential bottlenecks in the malaria elimination procedure. A structured questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 100 individuals visiting the Mbakong Health Centre or attending the Obang Government High School. Association between malaria infection and individual household or environmental risk factors was investigated using logistic regression models. Malaria infection was not significantly associated with LLIN possession (p = 0.999) since 97% of interviewees received them free of charge. The age and habits (having each bed cover by a LLIN, time when doors and windows are closed or antimalarial medicine used) of study participants were however significantly associated with malaria infection (p < 0.033). These findings suggest that although the interventions recommended by the World Health Organization may help in reducing malaria prevalence and burden, it is of prime importance to also tackle associated risk factors which are mostly related to individual habits. Key words: Malaria, risk factors, Obang Valley, Cameroon.