Sudano-Sahelian Zone Of Cameroon Research Articles

Preparedness for recurrent drought disaster: insights from the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

ABSTRACT This study examined the drought preparedness of drought-prone communities in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. The study employed a mixed-method approach, using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including interviews, household surveys, focus group discussions, and field observations. The data were then analysed using SPSS for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. The results reveal that the respondents primarily rely on their personal and community abilities to prepare for droughts. A significant proportion (χ 2 = 11.676, P = 0.020) of the respondents depend on community leaders for drought information, while others rely on family and friends. They also use indigenous knowledge and construct boreholes/wells to prepare for droughts. However, limited government support, inadequate extension/scientific support services, and insufficient formal training limited drought preparedness. Age, household size, and income significantly influenced perceived preparedness for drought. Based on the findings, the study concludes that informal/locally-driven strategies are important in drought preparedness and should be strengthened. The study recommends the establishment of drought management committees at the grassroots level and the effective use of indigenous knowledge in combination with scientific knowledge for drought planning and adaptation. Given the geographical variation in climatic stressors, a focus on a specific event such as drought has enhanced the understanding of drought disaster preparedness at the community level for effective planning and policy interventions. This study contributes to the literature in the disaster preparedness discipline with a lens on community drought preparedness.

Assessment of Edaphic conditions in the Mozogo-Gokoro National Park (Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon)

Vegetation health and vitality are generally dependent on soil quality. This concept particularly integrates the capacity of soils to ensure suitable conditions for plant growth. Soil physico-chemical analyses were used to make this qualitative assessment in Mozogo-Gokoro National Park. Litter and composite soil samples were collected at different depths from 0 to 150 cm in three collection units (CUs) established in the park vegetation. The results showed that throughout the park, soils have physico-chemical characteristics favourable to plant productivity, particularly in the surface horizons of the CUs, which correspond to dense to clear dry forests and gallery forests. It was particularly observed that there was an abundance of litter, good soil aggregate stability extending to depth, organic matter richness, and medium-to-high cation exchange capacities. Richness in available phosphorus, near-neutral pH water throughout the profile, textures conducive to water percolation and rooting, and absence of salt toxicity were seen as other fertility traits. However, the potential acidity and high C/N ratios confirm the fragility of these soils. These soil characteristics may also be moderately nuanced in the most savannah CU, exhibiting qualitative changes in soil samples from surface to depth. These physico-chemical attributes contrast significantly with those of natural ecosystems with degraded pedological types in the Sudano-Sahelian region, indicating a conservation of resilience in interaction with the vegetation.

Floristic Diversity and Ecological Structure of Protected Formations in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon: The Case of the Mayo-Kani Division

Floristic Diversity and Ecological Structure of Protected Formations in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon: The Case of the Mayo-Kani Division

Agriculture and Soil Management in the Context of Sustainable Development in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Agriculture and Soil Management in the Context of Sustainable Development in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Analysis of Rainfed Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench Variabilities (Njigaari and Mbayeeri) Ecotypes for their Improvement and Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth Controls in the Sudano-sahelian Zone of Cameroun

The agromorphological and genetic parameters of sorghum are important keys in rainfed sorghum production processes. To know the genetic diversity and agromorphological characteristics under striga infestation of this cereal in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon, a survey near to 230 farmers were done. Survey was followed by a collection of rainfed sorghum accessions in 2015 and 2016 in 16 villages of the 4 Divisions namely Mayo-Danay, Mayo-Kani, Mayo-Louti and Mayo-Rey of North. The field trials were conducted in Touboro from 2016 to 2017 with a split plot design and composed of 24 factors (accessions) in a naturally striga-infested plot. Results showed that sorghum ecotypes varied significantly (P < .05) according to sorghum height, stem diameter, number of leaves, panicle weight and seed yield. Eight (8) genetic and agro-morphological diversity groups were defined from Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Ascendant Classification (HAC). These groups are distinguished by the r=0.988 value of the similarity coefficient. Surveys resulted in 14 endogenous striga control techniques divided into three categories, namely cultural control, chemical control and biological control. The agro-morphological parameters that determine the choice of ecotype by the farmers were among others edaphic constraints, climatic constraints, pest pressure, taste quality, culinary uses, glume and grain color, duration of the ripening cycle which can be very early, early and late. Mbayeeri accessions such as LMO-LT18; LMO-LT19; LMO-LT20; LMO-LT21; LMO-LT22; LMO-LT23 and GD-LT03 were more solicited by farmers because of their resistance to striga and their adaptation in flooded soil despite the late development cycle. While the accessions TO-MPP15; KW-CP09; GD-CP14; GDO-MP07; GD-MP04 and LMO-CP17 were appreciated by farmers because of their earliness and resistance to striga. Some ecotypes namely GD-MP04, LMO-LT18, TO-MPP15, SD-CPP11, ZD-CPP12, LMO-LT19 and LMO-LT23 were more solicited and well appreciated by women to prepare local beer according to taste quality and striga tolerance. While, accessions like KW-MPP08, GDO-MP07, LMO-LT20, LMO-LT21 and LMO-LT22 were very well appreciated for couscous and porridge food prepared by women. So, in the local market these accessions are very expensive. A genetic improvement program readjusting the late development cycle of appreciated, solicited and tolerant sorghum ecotypes to striga should be an important asset to striga control and for the improvement of socio-economic conditions of farmers in northern Cameroon.

Influence of Anthropization on the Diversity of Woody Vegetation in Muskuwaari Transplanted Sorghum Field in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Transplanted sorghum is a staple food crop and represents an important part of cereal production in the Far North region. Its cultivation has led to profound agrarian changes and environmental landscape. The main objective of the study carried out from 2017 to 2019 in the Far North area was aimed to study the influence of anthropization on the diversity of woody vegetation, its management and conservation of the transplanted sorghum landscape in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. Population surveys in six (06) villages and floristic surveys through 50 m2 plots in two soil types in these villages were conducted. The results show that the use of herbicide, cutting down and stump removal of woody plants, essential in most cases, have led to profound changes in the Kare with the invasion of the fields by weed plants, post-harvest soil denudation and the disappearance of plant biodiversity. The exploitation of sorghum led to a reduction in the number of woody species from 20 to 9 at the start to the end of the study respectively. Similarly, the average species density decreased over time. The disappearance of 17 individuals was recorded on the clay soil type and 12 on the hydromorphic soil type during the 2 years. Faced with this threat, the practice of agroforestry (4 to 11%), reduction in the use of chemicals (24.19 to 40.32%), abolish harvesting of green wood (0 to 3.33%) and plough to limit the action of fire have been proposed as alternative measures for sustainable exploitation of transplanted sorghum.

Site-Specific Allometric Equations for Biomass Prediction of Moringa oleifera Lam. in the Northern Zone of Cameroon

Aims: Moringa oleifera is a species with multivariate uses. Despite its socio-economic importance in the northern part of Cameroon, it remains undervalued. Understanding its contribution to the fight against climate change requires precise quantification of its biomass. However, there is a lack of site-specific allometric equations for estimating this biomass. The development of site-specific allometric equations of M.oleifera is therefore imperative to facilitate this effort.
 Study Design: To achieve this objective, a sample of fourteen trees of M.oleifera was taken in from the two areas and divided into diameter classes between 5 and 13 cm.
 Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Agroecological zones of High guinean savannahs and Sudano-sahelian zone of Cameroon between April and July 2021.
 Methodology: The diameter at breast height of these trees and their height were measured. After tree cutting, biomass of compartments of leaves, branches, trunks and roots were determined after drying and weighing. Various allometric equations between biomasses and two parameters of the tree (the diameter and the height) were tested. The adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj), the residual standard error (RSE) and the Akaike Information Criteria were used for choosing the best models. 
 Results: The different analyses showed that diameter at breast height (DBH) is the variable that offers the best correlation for global above-ground (AGB) and below-ground (BGB) biomass in contrast to the other compartments. Thus, the best models for predicting total above-ground biomass of M. oleifera are -3.653-0.250lnD+5.119lnH (Sudano-Sahelian), -3.916 + 2.982lnD (High guinean Savannahs), -2.340 + 2.117lnD (Global) and finally for roots -6.426 + 2.182lnD.
 Conclusion: These mathematical models could help in estimating the biomass of Moringa oleifera in agroforestry systems under the ecological conditions of Cameroon.

Morphological and Biometric Diversity of <i>Colletotrichum capsici</i> Isolates, Causal Agent of Cowpea Brown Blotch Disease (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (L.) Walp) in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is an important legume in the midst of about 170 species of its genus because it is an important source of protein and other essential nutrients for humans and animals. Its production faces many constraints such as the cowpea brown blotch disease caused by Colletotrichum capsici which contributes in wet conditions of the field to losses ranging from 42% to 100%. This study was conducted to identify Colletotrichum capsici isolates responsible for cowpea brown blotch disease and to determine their diversity in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. Identification and isolation were made from cowpea organ samples on the Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium and, morphological and biometric characteristics such as: the colony color, the mycelium shape, the abundance of acervules, the presence or absence of saltations, the mycelial growth rate, the conidia length and width were used to assess the diversity. The results obtained indicate that 55 Colletotrichum capsici isolates have been identified in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference between isolates. Isolates showed multiple colony colours and were brown coloured as presented by 36.36% of isolates, compact mycelium is found in 56.36% of isolates, 56.36% of isolates have abundant acervulis, and saltations were absent in 45.45% of C. capsici isolates. The mycelial growth rate is between 6.69 mm/d and 12.33 mm/d. The principal component analysis (PCA) made indicated that there are differences between the observed and measured characteristics. The Hierarchical Ascending Classification (HAC) was done and 10 morphotypes of C. capsici in the Sudano-Sahelian zone were identified.

Full Title: Influence of Anthropization on the Diversity of Woody Vegetation in Muskuwaari Transplanted Sorghum Field in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Full Title: Influence of Anthropization on the Diversity of Woody Vegetation in Muskuwaari Transplanted Sorghum Field in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Climate change and some adaptation measures in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

Cameroon aspires to emergence by 2035. Since 2009, it has drawn up reference documents such as the “Vision 2035” and the “Strategy Document for Growth and Employment”, which include growth goals such as poverty reduction, economic development, industrialization, democracy and unity. In addition, in the document of the Intended Determined Contribution to the National Plan submitted to the United Nations, the country undertakes to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions up to 32% by 2035, with particular emphasis on renewable energy which will contribute 25% of total electricity production. The Sudano-Sahelian region of Cameroon is the region most threatened by climate change. For more than a decade, actions have been carried out both under government leadership and private initiatives to reduce the effects of global warming on the socio-economic development of the region. In our work, we will present some of the local action plans experienced both in the laboratory and in the field based on energy, agriculture, environmental techniques, and hydraulics and water control.

Evaluation of anthropization indicators of the floristic landscapes of Kaélé hills in the Sudano-Sahelianzone of Cameroon

This work focuses on the influence of anthropogenic activities on the phytodiversity of Kaélé hills, particularly those of Lara, Boboyo and Midjivin, in the Mayo-Kani Division, Far North Region of Cameroon. The aim is to assess the effects of the exploitation of the natural resources of these hills on the ligneous plants in order to contribute to their sustainable management. Two methods were used for this study: floristic inventories and ethnobotanical survey. The inventory design consisted of three blocks (hills) which are main treatments, the hillsides which are secondary treatments and the plots which are the replications. The species were inventoried in plots of 40 x 30 m each arranged from the bottom to the top of each hill on each of the two slopes and separated by 10 m of intervals (down-up and left-right). For the ethnobotanical survey, interviews were carried out with 385 people in order to assess the importance of the resources of these hills and the activities carried out there. 2495 woody individuals were inventoried, distributed in 35 species, 29 genera and 19 families over all the three hills. The main signs of disturbances recorded are marks of cutting, bark harvesting and pruning. The anthropization index is most noticeable on species on Lara hill such as Terminalia brownii (105 individuals), Grewia bicolor (88 individuals), Ficus abutilifolia (72 individuals). On Boboyo hill, the anthropization index is most noticeable on species such as Terminalia brownii (60 individuals), Grewia bicolor (73 individuals), Ficus abutilifolia (64 individuals), and on Midjivin hill, they are Terminalia brownii (74 individuals), Ficus abutilifolia (72 individuals) and Grewia bicolor (57 individuals). The species used in the local pharmacopoeia in order of appreciation by exploiters are: Terminalia brownii (19.9%), Azadirachta indica (17.97%), Anogeissus leiocarpus (16.14%) and Croton pseudopulchellus (13.76%). Eleven species are used in crafts, amongst which the most used are Terminalia brownii (93.77%) and Grewia bicolor (83.83%). This work has shown that the floristic diversity of the Kaélé hills is under anthropogenic pressure, thus leading to the disappearance of several plant species and the fragmentation of the natural habitat of biodiversity.

Perception of Climatic Change and Farmers’ Decision to Adapt in the Sudano-sahelian Zone in Cameroon

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of farmers' perceptions on the decision to adapt to climate change in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. Based on a random draw from 721 farm households. This research shows that 98.6% of respondents in the study area reported having observed significant changes in climatic conditions. In addition, 89% of farmers have adopted at least one strategy to deal with these changes. Heckman's model shows that pessimistic perception about future climate precedes farmers' decision to adapt to climate change. The results also show that gender, membership of a farmer organization, religious beliefs, age, and sources of information are the main determinants of producers' perception and decision to adapt to climate change.

Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

In the agroforestry systems of sub-Saharan Africa, the vertical and horizontal distribution of tree root biomass according to the soil profile is still poorly documented. The objective of this study is to verify the root distribution of four species of trees established in living hedges, namely, Commiphora kerstingii, Erythrina sigmoidea, Ficus thonningii and Jatropha curcas according to two types of soil (light soil and heavy soil) and three agroforestry technologies (fallows, wooded parks and plantations). The hedges were mostly monospecific in order to facilitate the identification of the roots. The experimental set-up is an entirely random factorial design with two factors. The evaluation of the distribution of tree roots was carried out using the profile method. To determine the different textural classes, a particle size analysis was undertaken in the laboratory. The results obtained show that the number of roots decreases rapidly after 30 cm of depth. The highest root densities are observed in the first 30 cm. Soil type has a slight effect (p <0.05) on rooting density in the last 30 cm of depth for all root classes, higher densities were obtained in light soil compared to heavy soil. Commiphora kerstingii stands out significantly by obtaining a higher number of roots than the other species for all classes. Among the technologies, the plantations showed the lowest root density at 0-5 cm and the highest at 55-60 cm. The root density was higher in the fallows. The results show that the root system is mainly concentrated near the stump.

Floristic composition, diversity and structure of Khaya senegalensis stands in Benue Department, Cameroon

The present work has been done to provide basic data for a better conservation and valorization ofKhaya senegalensis stands in Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. A 100 m x 50 m transectmethod was undertaken to measure floristic diversity through the use of species richness,Shannon index, Pielou equitability, Simpson index, importance value index and importance valuefamily. The vegetation structure is determined by density, basal area and biovolume. Theinventory included trees with a dbh ?10 cm on an area of 1 ha per plot. A total of 6743individuals distributed in 24 families, 33 genera and 54 species were inventoried in all Khayasenegalensis stands studied. Statistical analysis showed significant differences, Shannon index,Simpson index, Pielou equitability, density, basal area, biovolume, species richness, heights class,diameters class, circumferences class but does not certify a significant difference of importancevalue index among in the villages. The undergrowth of Khaya senegalensis stands is more diverseat Bamé with a Shannon diversity index (ISH=5.87 ± 0.12 bit). The greatest of Pielou equitabilityis observed at Bamé (EQ=0.80 ± 0.01). The largest of Simpson index is recorded at Bamé(D=0.098 ± 0.001). Khaya senegalensis Stands are denser at Bamé (194 ± 3.12 individuals/ha).The basal area and biovolume of Khaya senegalensis stands are very high at Bamé (BA=25.87 ±0.06 m2/ha and Biovolume =15.32 ± 0.012 m3/ha). The species importance value is maximal in allthe studied villages (SIV=300 ± 71.45). The importance value index of species revealed a cleardominance in the undergrowth of Khaya senegalensis stands are Combretum adenogonium;Acacia senegal; Terminalia laxiflora; Guiera senegalensis; Acacia nilotica; Entada Africana.The vertical structure has three aspects, like the L (Dbh), asymmetric (height) and dissymmetrical(circumference) structures attesting to a strong regeneration of the understory ligneous woods ofKhaya senegalensis stands studied.

Carbon storage in cashew plantations in Central Africa: case of Cameroon

This study aimed to assess the carbon storage in cashew plantations in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. Quantification of stocks of biomass and carbon dioxide contained in agroforestry systems has become an international priority within the framework of the implementation of REDD + mechanism. Three cashew plantations were selected according to age classes (0–10 years; 10–20 years and over 20 years) in the four subdivisions (Bénoué, Faro, Mayo-Louti and Mayo-Rey). The experimental device installed is a complete random Fisher block with five repetitions. A 100 m × 20 m transect method was undertaken to assess the biomass. Allometric equations were used to assess carbon stock in biomass and laboratory analysis was used to assess soil carbon stock. Carbon stocks varied following the subdivisions and ranged from 69.29 to 96.67; 62.24 to 82.61; 59.00 to 90.64 and 66.14 to 84.03 tC/ha respectively in Bénoué, Faro, Mayo-Louti and Mayo-Rey. Soil carbon stock varied following the subdivisions and ranged from 22.03 to 30.33; 20.12 to 25.43; 19.21 to 25.73 and 21.06 to 24.51 tC/ha respectively in Bénoué, Faro, Mayo-Louti and Mayo-Rey. The highest total carbon stock was recorded in Bénoué subdivision (81.85 ± 13.55 t C/ha). The cashew plantation is actively sequestering carbon showing the potentiality to mitigate global climate change. Finally, these results are also an important economic, ecological and dynamic informative value to serve as a basis for guiding any program of action aimed at the conservation and sustainable management of this species.

Structure and Diversity of Agroforestry Parklands in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

The general objective of the study is to characterize the woody vegetation of 05 agroforestry parkland in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. A total of 40 floristic surveys of 200  20 m were carried out. A total of 33 species in 20 families and 31 genera were recorded. The dendrometric survey method enabled us to characterize the vegetation of the agroforestry parks. The dendrometric parameters and indices calculated according to the agroforestry parks vary from one park to another. Thus, density varies from 108±2.98-223±8.01 individuals/ha, recovery from 6.11±0.21-10.12±0.31%, basal area from 6.54±1.12 to 10.05±1.87 m²/ha, biovolume from 20.09±2.22-38.54±3.76 m3/ha, total height from 2.11±0.01-5.06±0.04 m, natural regeneration rate from 2.11±0.52-7.40±1.09%. The Shannon index varies from 1.36±0.20-2±0.29 bits, Pielou index from 0.14±0.07-0.35±0.18 and Simpson index from 0.82±0.02-0.97±0.03. The species with the highest SIV and SIR are Combretum glutinosum, Combretum adenogonium, Sclerocarya birrea, Prosopis africana, Entada africana, Anacardium occidentale, Burkea africana, Maytenus senegalensis, Ficus glumosa. The Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae show a high representativeness in relation to their family importance value. The diameter structure showed a predominance of young individuals and the height structure showed a predominance of individuals of class [4-6 m]. These results can be used as a reference in monitoring the vegetation dynamics of agroforestry parks subject to recurrent droughts and anthropogenic pressures. This study provides a better understanding of the vegetation in agroforestry parks in order to better manage these plant resources.

Dynamics of soil organic carbon stock under different types of savannah agrosystems in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

Dynamics of soil organic carbon stock under different types of savannah agrosystems in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

Soil change in Arenosols under long term cultivation in the sudano-sahelian zone of Cameroon

The effect of forest reserve conversion to agriculture land on soil properties in the sudano-sahelian zone of Cameroon was investigated. Agricultural activities have caused the progressive reduction of the surface area of Zamai forest reserve, which reduced from nearly 50% of its original surface in 1970 to only about one third in 2016. This study was conducted on four plots that have been cultivated for 3, 29, 50 and 90 years respectively, and a forest reserve soil used as control plot, all located along a chronosequence on Dystric Arenosols. The sandy fraction of cultivated soils varies between 70.00 ± 2.65 and 75.00 ± 2.65%, lower than that of the control soil (76.67 ± 3.21%). Silt contents were very low, but clay contents were higher in cultivated plots, with the highest proportion (28.66 ± 3.05%) seen in the 29 years cultivated plot. The stability index (SI) of different plots was greater than 9%, characteristic of stable structures. Compared to both 50 and 90 year cultivated soils, 3 and 29 years old agricultural soils had lower stability index and are thus more vulnerable to water and wind erosion in accordance with the lowest chemical characteristics observed. There was a gradual increase in acidity of cultivated plots from 3 years reaching higher values of 6.70 ± 0.24 and 6.49 ± 0.75 after 50 and 90 years of cultivation respectively. Ca2+ and K+ were the most represented bases. Moreover, there was an overall decrease in organic matter, sand and silt contents, SI and C:N, with a relative increase in clay content, pHw, K+, Ca2+, N, sum of bases and cation exchange capacity from 3 years cropping to 90 years. Control and 90 years cultivated plots were very similar, as a result of the restoration of soil properties after 90 years of farming activities, initiated from 50th year of farming activity.

Caracterisations biophysique et floristique des parcs agroforestiers a Daniellia oliveri dans la zone Soudano-Sahelienne du Cameroun

Daniellia oliveri agroforestry exist in dry areas and play a big role for local populations. The objective of this work is to contribute to the biophysical characterization and floristic diversity in D. oliveri agroforestry parks in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. For this, an ethnobotanical study followed by an ecological study was carried out. In total, 504 farmers were interviewed in the Benoue and Mayo-Rey divisions. Plots of 144 ha have been established in agroforestry parks (cultivated, fallow). The dendrometric parameters (diameter at breast height of trees, height of trees and diameter of the canopy of individuals) were measured. The results show that inheritance is the most widely shared mode of acquisition. D. oliveri agroforestry parks are at least 30 years old. Parks provide many ecosystem services to local people. The specific richness varies from 59 species in the parks of Benoue to 62 species in the parks of Mayo-Rey. The density varies from 47.72 stems.ha-1 in cultivated parks to 353.43 stems.ha-1 in fallow parks. The Shannon index varies from 1.99 (cultivated parks) to 3.50 (fallow parks) in the Benoue area, while in the Mayo-Rey area, it varies from 2.14 (cultivated parks) to 2.72 (fallow parks). The Fabaceae and Combretaceae are the most important families with 22 and 10 species respectively. The population structure of fallow parks is

Processing and Microbial Profile of “Soudamouka” a Sun-dried Fish from Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Fish is an extremely perishable food item and requires preservation for future use. Several methods including drying, are used round the world for preserving fish and to extend its shelf-life. The microbial quality of sun-dried fish locally called “soudamouka” was investigated. Commercially available “soudamouka” samples were collected from retailers within the Far North region of Cameroon. Three different retailers (S1, S2 and S3) were sampled, then, the collected samples were screened for their microbial load. The highest level of Escherichia coli (62.104 cfu.g-1) was recorded in S3 soudamouka sample while the lowest count (5.102 cfu.g-1) was obtained in S1 soudamouka. The fungal load varied from 0, 1.102 to 5.102 cfu.g-1 while the C. perfringens load for different samples were found to be S1 = 16.104 cfu.g-1, S2 = 20.104 cfu.g-1 and S3 = 55.10 4cfu.g-1. These high microbial loads and presence of pathogens could be attributed to the poor handling practices and storage temperature by retailers. Although, drying may reduce water activity and consequently microbial load, post processing contamination may occur during post handling and transportation of processed fish to the sale points.