Western Highlands Of Cameroon Research Articles

Institutional Change and Compliance in Forest Landscape Restoration Governance: Insights from the Western Highlands of Cameroon

ABSTRACT The debate regarding whether, in sub-Saharan Africa, exogenous 1 and endogenous institutions 2 have witnessed significant changes to facilitate contemporary Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) processes remains inconclusive. Additionally, there is insufficient knowledge of their compliance levels. To address these lacunae, we used content analysis of policy documents, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and expert interviews to examine the evolution of FLR-linked exogenous and endogenous institutions and their compliance levels in rural Cameroon. Using thematic and content analyses hinged on a hybrid endogenous-cum-exogenous institutional analytical lens; we conclude that in Cameroon’s FLR context, exogenous institutions have transitioned from focusing solely on forest plantation establishment to encompass natural/artificial regeneration and agroforestry. More recent approaches have incorporated FLR financing mechanisms, capacity building, collaboration, and research. However, the significant exogenous institutional transformation does not necessarily imply higher compliance. Future studies should unravel actors’ interests and power dynamics that potentially shape compliance with institutions in FLR.

Remote sensing, allometry, and carbon stocks of Phyllostachys aurea in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

The fight against climate change is one of the major concerns of the international community and has led to a search to identify cost-effective ways to manage ecosystems in a way that removes atmospheric carbon-dioxide while providing essential societal benefits. As bamboo ecosystems in Cameroon are poorly known, this study sought to evaluate the distribution of bamboo, develop allometric equations for it and estimate carbon stocks associated with bamboo in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Landsat 8 OLI imagery was used to increase data on the distribution and carbon stocks of Phyllostachys aurea Carrière ex Rivière & C. Rivière in the study area. P. aurea is reportedly the most exploited species for ecological, socioeconomic and cultural activities in the region, posing a challenge for the sustainability of the species. Twelve circular plots were established in P. aurea stands in the Western Highlands. Five per cent of the bamboo stems were harvested. Every stem was sorted into leaves, branches, and culms. These were weighed, and sub-samples taken to the laboratory. Sub-samples were oven-dried for biomass estimation. Regression analysis was used to develop the allometric equations. The best equation was used to estimate the carbon stocks. The Western Highlands region of Cameroon is estimated to have 241,296 ha of bamboos. The dominant bamboo species identified in the study area include Oldeania alpina (K.Schum.) Stapleton (syn. Yushania alpina K.Schum.), Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl. and P. aurea. Focusing on P. aurea the best fit equation with a bias of − 6.98%, Adj.R² = 0.711, AIC = 17 and RSE = 0.262, was selected. The mean density of P. aurea was 38,017 ± 4510 culms.ha−1. The mean culm aboveground biomass was 3.15 ± 0.94 kg. The AGB of P. aurea was estimated at 119.05 ± 3.63 t.ha−1, mean AGC was 55.95 ± 5.81 t C.ha−1 and mean aboveground carbon dioxide equivalence (AGCO2eq) was 205.35 ± 58.01.22 t CO2.ha−1. P. aurea constitutes a significant carbon sink in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Policymakers and development planners should therefore recommend this species for carbon markets, international initiatives such as AFR100, and the Nationally Determined Contribution addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG13) to combat climate change.

Evaluation of Soil Temperature, Water Productivity and Agronomic Performance of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.)-Legume Intercropping System in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Intercropping is a farming practice involving two or more crop species, growing simultaneously in the same area and which could efficiently utilize natural resources. A two-year study was conducted during 2021 and 2022 in the western highlands of Cameroon to examine the impacts of potato-legume intercropped on soil water content (SWC), productivity and soil temperature(ST) in order to identify cropping systems (CS) that controls ST and water productivity (WP). A randomised complete block design with seven treatments: sole potato crop (T1), Mucuna (T2), lima bean (T3), cowpea (T4) and intercropping systems of Mucuna+potato (T5), lima bean+potato (T6) and cowpea+potato (T7) was used. CS has a significant effect (P<0.05) on ST with the lowest ST being obtained in T5 (19.50°C), T7 (19.66°C) and T6 (19.68°C) against 20.20°C in T1. SWC varied with CS (P<0.05) with T1 having the lowest SWC of 40% versus T5 (47.90%), T6 (44.42%) and T7 (42.76%). Water use increased significantly (P<0.05) with T1 (783.34mm) and decreased from T7 (783.32mm) to T5 (783.30mm). As for WP, T1 (2.96g.mm-1) recorded the lowest value and T5 (4.04g.mm-1) the highest. T5 had the highest tuber yield (29.60t.ha-1) and T1 the lowest (23.21t.ha-1). Legume grain yield and biomass were highest in T5 (2.10t.ha-1 and 6.78t.ha-1 respectively) compared to others intercropping systems. The intercropping systems obtained an overall LER and WER greater than 1 with the highest in T6 (6.20 and 2.63). Intercropping potato with Mucuna or lima bean reduces soil temperature while improving soil water productivity that enhances potato production.

Eichhornia crassipes Efficacy in Secondary Wastewater Treatment in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Wastewater treatment using lagoons technology is recognised to have potential to protect the environment and preserve water resources. The implementation requires mastery of ecological conditions of operation and management of the plants used. We aimed to contribute to the implementation of macrophyte-based lagoons for wastewater treatment in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. We used two sets of four lagoons in series; one was vegetated with E. crassipes, while the other served as the control. Each set constituted an anaerobic, two facultative, and maturation lagoons. Each lagoon system was supplied with primary-treated domestic wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant of the University of Dschang, Cameroon, at a hydraulic loading rate of 1.13 m3/day. Monthly wastewater samples were collected from the inflow and outflow of each lagoon for physicochemical and bacteriological analyses, and plant growth was assessed biweekly for six months spanning the dry and rainy seasons. Macrophyte lagoons showed positive plant growth during both seasons. The highest plant height (10.67 and 25.21 cm), longer roots (11.3 and 37.41 cm), and the highest number of new buds (14 and 20 buds) were obtained during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Plants were significantly ( P < 0.0001) taller in facultative lagoons in the rainy season than in the dry season. Vegetated lagoons significantly ( P < 0.05) contributed to reducing TSS (−08.36% and 82.25%), true color (44.46% and 82.31%), orthophosphates (63.1% and 86.59%), and BOD5 (−56.79% and 56.06%) during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. 100% elimination of fecal streptococci (FS) and 74.89% and 43.80% of fecal coliforms (FC) were observed in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Significant ( P = 0.0019) FS elimination was more in the dry season than in the rainy season. However, the average residual content of FC (190,000 UFC/100 ml) was still higher than WHO limits (≤1000 UFC/100 ml) for nonrestrictive reuse in agriculture. E. crassipes can be efficiently used in lagoon systems for domestic wastewater treatment in the Western Highlands of Cameroon.

Understanding Community Participation in Tree Planting and Management in Deforested Areas in Cameroon's Western Highlands.

Deforestation and forest degradation continue to take place at alarming rates in Africa despite global net forest loss reductions. This is prompting large-scale forest restoration involving community volunteers to prevent, halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity for the sustainable development of forest landscapes in Africa. The study explored the motivations, challenges, barriers and negotiation strategies of community volunteers in ecosystem restoration and conservation initiatives in Cameroon's Western Highlands (Mount Bamboutos landscape), given that many such interventions are not achieving desired targets and goals. A total of 134 respondents involving farmers and local implementing NGO workers were interviewed, using semi-structured open-ended questionnaires. One focus group discussion was held with paramount traditional rulers to assess the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the community-led ecosystem restoration and conservation initiative. The principal components analysis with oblique (Direct oblimin) rotation was used to reduce the number of constitutive items in each dimension of motivation, challenge and barrier to community participation. Linear regression analysis was used to examine how the different dimensions of motivations, challenges and barriers influence community participation. Community participation was initially driven more by environmental motivations given the highly deforested and degraded Mount Bamboutos landscape, but later on driven more by economic and community motivations. Social factors were least expressed and non-significant predictors of participation. Community participation was primarily limited by management, financial, psychological, personal, and information challenges and barriers. Providing financial incentives to cover daily subsistence costs of food and transport was a key negotiation strategy that increased community participation. Conservation organisations should capitalise on environment, community and social motivational appeals during community education and awareness campaigns to increase voluntary community participation. The local knowledge on ecosystem restoration and conservation motivations, challenges, barriers, negotiation strategies, recommendations and SWOT analysis provide relevant baseline information for environment management decision-makers in Cameroon and other Sub-Saharan African countries.

Consequences of hygiene and sanitation limitations on physicochemical, bacteriological and parasitological quality of water for vegetable irrigation purpose in the Mbouda lowlands, Cameroon western highlands

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the health risk associated with vegetable irrigation using lowland water in the town of Mbouda. Watered vegetables and water from five yards and three wells used by market gardeners were analysed in the dry season using standardized methods. Bacterial levels ranging from 6.37 ± 0.71 to 9.03 ± 0.43 Log CFU/100 g/DM (dry matter) were detected in the various vegetables produced in the lowlands of Mbouda: Escherichia coli (4.10–5.03 Log CFU/100 mL), faecal coliforms (5.28–5.99 Log CFU/100 mL), Shigella spp. (4.86–6.25 Log CFU/100 mL) and Salmonella spp. (3.85–5.21 Log CFU/100 mL) in irrigation water; Ascaris spp. eggs, Entamoeba spp. cysts, Ancylostoma spp. eggs and nematode larvae were detected at levels above the standard recommended by the World Health Organization. This sets 3 Log CFU/100 mL of these bacteria in water, 1–2 Log CFU/25 g/DM on vegetables, but 3 Log CFU/25 g/DM for faecal coliforms as acceptable limits and zero for any parasitic stage (eggs, cysts, and larvae). This constitutes a real health risk for consumers. The town's virtually nonexistent sewage system could be at the root of this water pollution.

Propagation, development phases and domestication of <i>Cyperus</i> <i>rotundus</i> L. in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Cyperus rotundus Linn. is a potentially valuable aromatic plant given its ability to synthesise essential oil and the variety of traditional uses associated with it. The valorisation of this plant would imply the exploitation of a significant quantity of its biomass, which cannot be obtained from the wild. The aim of this study was to determine the best methods for regeneration and the development phases of C. rotundus, in order to ensure the continuous availability of its biomass. The mode of natural regeneration and the state of domestication of C. rotundus by local populations were investigated through surveys of traditional healers and herbalists. In addition, ex situ regeneration trials were carried out using vegetative propagation from bulbs and seed germination. The vegetative propagation was assessed by estimating the lag time and percentage regeneration of the bulbs, while the seed germination percentage was evaluated. The development phases of the plant were identified following the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie) scale. The yield was calculated from the underground biomass of the bulbs produced at the end of the plant life cycle. The results showed that C. rotundus regenerates naturally from bulbs and rarely from seeds. In the Western Highlands of Cameroon, traditional practitioners and herbalists have begun domesticating C. rotundus on a small scale. Propagation attempts from seed were unsuccessful in the present study. However, from bulbs, a lag time of 10 days was observed and a regeneration percentage of 88% obtained after 47 days. Five phases of development were identified including emergence (0), bolting (1), flowering (2), maturation (3) and senescence (4). The production of bulbs, which are organs containing the essential oils, was observed from the bolting phase. The biomasses of about 383, 493 and 520 kg/ha were obtained during phase 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The best propagation method and the development phases of Cyperus rotundus investigated in this work could contribute to an advance in the domestication process in order to ensure its availability and sustainability.

Effects of combined mineral and sewage sludge fertilization on soil properties and growth of two <i>Zea</i> <i>mays</i> (L.) varieties in Western Highlands of Cameroon

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of combined application of dewatered sewage sludge (SS) and mineral fertilizer on the chemical properties of the soil and growth of <i>Zea</i> <i>mays</i>. Six treatments: T0, negative control; T1, positive control of 120 kg N/ha; T2, 2 t/ha sewage sludge (SS) + 60 kgN/ha; T3, 4 t/ha SS + 60 kgN/ha; T4, 8t / ha SS+ 60 kgN/ha and T5, 8 t/ha SS were applied in completely randomized block experimental design. The following parameters: height of plants, diameter of stem, number of healthy leaves, leaves area index, root and shoot biomasses were measured on plants at 30, 44 and 58 days after sowing. For the soil parameters, electrical conductivity (EC), redox and hydrogen potentials were measured at the same frequency. The results showed that the height, the stem diameter, the number of leaves, the leaves area index and the biomass of Zea mays increased in response to soil supplementation with sewage sludge combined with mineral fertilizers. The treatment that best stimulated the growth of maize was T4 (8t/ha SS+ 60 kgN/ha). The soil chemical properties were modified by sewage sludge application. In general, pH and conductivity decrease with sludge application, while, redox potential increased. This shows that combined sewage sludge to NPK (20 10 10) leads to changes in chemical parameters of the soil and thus, influencing the nutrients uptake by plants to improve their growth.

Assessing Floristic Diversity and Ecological Characteristics of Mount Mbapit Savannah, Western Highlands of Cameroon

Assessing Floristic Diversity and Ecological Characteristics of Mount Mbapit Savannah, Western Highlands of Cameroon

Pesticide Usage in Pest Management by Vegetable Producers in the Foumbot Production Basin of the Western Highlands (Cameroon)

Purpose: Cameroon is the food basket of the Central African Region in terms of food production and a significant proportion of her population depends on the production of fruits and vegetables for livelihood. The Western Highlands of Cameroon is known for its high agricultural output, especially in the domain of market gardening. The Foumbot Production Basin in the Western Highlands of Cameroon is noted for its high agricultural output, especially in the domain of market gardening. Produce originating from this area is consumed throughout the nation, especially in the Southern Regions of Cameroon and also exported to neighbouring countries like Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic. This study therefore sought to find out how pesticides are being employed in the production of these crops (mostly fruits and leafy vegetables, of short growing cycles) in the Foumbot Production Basin of the Western Highlands of Cameroon. 
 Methodology: A survey was conducted in which a well-developed questionnaire containing both closed multiple-choice and open-ended questions, was established to collect important information related to the topic from the market gardeners in the Foumbot Production Basin. A total of 100 market gardeners were interviewed. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data allowed us to assess the pesticide use practices of tomato growers by having a clear idea on demographic social characteristics (sex, level of education, age, and marital status), agronomic practices (cropping season and cropping system), application of pesticides (types of pesticides used, source of information’s relating to the use of pesticides, the moment of application, reaction following the ineffectiveness of the product, respect pre-harvest intervals, knowledge of the presence of residues in the fruits, health effects, wearing of PPE and disposal of empty packaging). 
 Findings: It was observed that a majority of the gardeners were males with mostly secondary education. Many of the gardeners did not disposed their empty pesticide containers properly while a majority did not use personal protective equipment during application. Up to 93% of producers do not respect or ignore the pre-harvest interval. Harvest was determined by the availability of buyers of the crop, irrespective of the last time it was sprayed. This is attributed to the complete absence of extension services and training. 
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This information can be used to develop a training programme on pest management especially on pesticide use in the Foumbot Production Basin.

Problems and Prospects of Learners with Visual Impairment in Biology Inclusive Classrooms of the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Purpose: This research work seeks to explore Problems and Prospects of Learners with Visual Impairment in Biology Inclusive Classrooms in some Subdivisions of the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to: Investigates if collaborative practices exist in a Biology inclusive classroom, examines if a tripartite relationship exist between the Biology teacher, LVI, and transcriber in a Biology inclusive classroom, examines constraints that restrict proficiency of LVI in a Biology inclusive classroom, and evaluates the prospects that LVI have in a Biology inclusive classroom.
 Methodology: Relevant theories and appropriate empirical reviews utilised guided and instructed the process adopted for the conduct of the research. Primary source of data was collected using questionnaires, observation and unstructured interview on four public and private secondary schools in Bafut, Bamenda, and Dschang subdivisions through the simple convenient and purposive sampling techniques, with sample size of 21 LVI, 20 Biology teachers and 9 transcribers. Data collected was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 20 for a one sample T- test.
 Findings: Findings revealed that, collaborative practices and tripartite relationship do not exist in Biology inclusive classrooms. On the other hand, findings also revealed that, constraints that restrict proficiency amongst others are: assessment\attitude problems, technology availability /affordability but, LVI still have prospects in an inclusive Biology classroom.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Based on the findings, it is recommended amongst others that, a tripartite relationship be built between the teacher, the learner with visual impairment and the transcriber in a Biology inclusive classroom.

Factors affecting lactation performances of Jersey-White Fulani and Holstein-Gudali genetic crossed groups of cows in Western Highlands of Cameroon

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting daily milk yield, lactation peak milk and calving interval lactation peak of Jersey-White Fulani and Holstein-Gudali genetic crossed groups of cows in Western Highlands of Cameroon. Data on 404 genetic crossed cows obtained from the database of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) of Bambui in the Western Highlands of Cameroon were used. These genetic crossed cows were results of crosses between imported Jersey (J) and Holstein (H) bull semen with local White Fulani (WF) and Gudali (G) cows. Results obtained revealed that only daily milk yield (DMY) varied significantly between the different genetic crossed groups of cows. Daily milk yield, lactation peak milk (LPM) and calving interval lactation peak (CILP) tended to increase with exotic blood level. Cows with 70% of Holstein exotic blood (75%Hx25%G) recorded the highest LPM (14.51 ± 2.97 kg) and the longest CILP (39.86 ± 9.89 days) being the highest DMY (6.74 ± 0.41kg) was in 50%Hx50%G genetic crossed group. Genetic crossed group II (75%Jx25%WF) registered the lowest DMY (5.59 ± 0.43 kg) and the lowest LPM (10.46 ± 1.16 kg) meanwhile the shortest CILP (27.19 ± 3.68 days) was obtained with genetic crossed group I (50%Jx50%WF). Performances obtained for both DMY, LPM and CILP with Holstein-Gudali (50%Hx50%G and 75%Hx25%G) crossed as compared to Jersey-White Fulani crossed revealed their high productive potential through their adaptability capacity to harsh conditions of tropics.

Farmers' local knowledge of soil fertility in bamboo plantations in the Western Highlands, Cameroon

Cameroon is strongly committed to restoring degraded land through the sustainable use of bamboo and other non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and reduction of CO2 emissions. However, research has not yet revealed how bamboo is perceived locally in production zones where most harvested species are wild and from natural forests. This assessed the local perception and knowledge of farmers in the Western Highlands of Cameroon on soil fertility in bamboo plantations. Ethnopedological surveys were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires in three departments of the Western Region. During the study, three focus groups were organized, followed by direct field observations and individual interviews with 200 people. The easily identifiable indicators used were soil colour, texture, fertility status, and water-holding capacity. The majority of respondents (67.5%) stated that the soils of bamboo plantations are infertile and not suitable for agriculture, 18.5% found these soils very fertile and suitable for agriculture and 14% found them moderate. The main points cited by farmers as positive for the use of bamboo are the fight against landslides and the reduction of soil erosion (33% and 30.5% of respondents, respectively). The main negative points cited were the invasive effect of bamboo and the extensive root system in the soil (52.5% and 15.5% of respondents respectively). To facilitate the adoption of bamboo in restoration projects in Cameroon, it is important to integrate farmers’ views into the policy formulation process. The results presented in this study will facilitate dialogue among farmers, agronomic advisors, and researchers. Policymakers and planners will also be beneficiaries of the research, and will be enabled to propose solutions for the better planning of restoration activities on bamboo.

Nutritive value of forages consumed by ruminants during the dry season in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

AbstractBackgroundIn the Western Highlands of Cameroon (WHC), information on the nutritional value of fodder species consumed by ruminants is very limited.MethodsThrough interviews with farmers and monitoring of animals on the range, information was obtained on the types of fodder resources consumed by the ruminants. Samples of each forage species were collected in 15 districts, mixed, chopped, and dried in a ventilated oven at 60°C, and then ground for chemical composition analysis.ResultsTwenty‐two forage species were identified. Among these species, Vernonia amygdalina (29.43% ± 0.45% dry matter [DM]) and Pennisetum clandestinum (87.21% ± 1.33% DM) were, respectively, the highest in protein and neutral detergent fiber contents. Manihot esculenta was one of the most energy‐rich forages in terms of forage unit for lactation and forage unit for meat production. Hierarchical ascending classification revealed three main groups of forages, respectively, rich in crude fiber (Group 1), protein (Group 2), and energy (Group 3).ConclusionsThe present study identified 22 forage species browsed by ruminants in WHC. Further studies should be carried out to determine the antinutritional factors and to evaluate their nutrient value using in vitro or in situ digestibility techniques.

Testing soil fertility, potato (Solanum tuberosum) production and residual effect on green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) performance using different rates and mixtures of compost and mineral fertilizer

Compost has a long-lasting action on soils to sustain crop production but very few scientific works have demonstrated these agronomic aspects. The present work aims to study the effect of different rates and mixtures of compost and a mineral fertilizer on a humic gleysol fertility, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield and the residual effect on green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in the Cameroon Western Highlands. A first field trial was conducted on potato followed by green beans a year after (without additional fertilization). The experimental design was a split-plot with three replications. The primary factor was compost alone at 4 levels (0, 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1) and the secondary factor was mineral fertilizer application rates at two levels (0 and 350 kg ha-1). The soil samples for each experimental unit were analyzed before and after the experiments. The main results revealed that compost alone at 20 t ha-1 yielded more tubers (15 t ha-1) with probably an ideal rate for potato tubers production (largest diameter, > 40 mm). The combination of compost and the mineral fertilizer had a significant effect only on the proportion of tubers having average diameter (between 25 and 40 mm). During the first year, the compost improved the soil chemical properties notably pH-H2O, total nitrogen, organic carbon, C/N ratio, Cation exchange capacity and exchangeable Mg. Compost at 30 t ha-1 yielded an additional 5 t ha-1 of green beans in the second year, meanwhile the mineral fertilizer alone revealed no residual effect.

Peasants' perceptions on the socioeconomic importance and cultivation practice of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. (Black olive tree) in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Canarium schweinfurthii is one of the agro-forestry tree species with multiple uses in the subtropical countries which is still exploited wild. The purpose of this study was to get insights related to peasants' perceptions on the socio-economic importance and cultivation practice of the species in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The methodology consisted of surveys among people spread over 7 villages. Two hundred (200) people who were involved in C. schweinfurthii exploitation were selected in the study area following a random approach and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. In addition to the identification of respondents, the information collected from interviewees focused on: 1) knowledge, uses, harvesting methods and the impact of the exploitation of the species on the well-being of people; 2) the trend of the population’s dynamics of the species and, 3) the know-how and practices in the cultivation of the plant. The results showed that almost all the interviewees (99%) knew the species that they exploit in six categories of use (food, medicine, handicraft, construction, timber industry and firewood supply), with a broad consensus (Cs = 0.98) for the use in food. The degree of consensus remained low for its use in medicine (Cs= -0.18), firewood supply (Cs= -0.21), timber industry (Cs= -0.65), construction (Cs= -0.77) and handicrafts (Cs= -0.84). According to 80% of respondents, income from the sale of the fruits significantly contributes to household welfare. The most cited harvesting method was fruits picking, which does not endanger the species. Only 37% of the interviewees perceived a regressive trend in the dynamics of the species' population over the last decade. For 71% of the respondents, the cultivation practice by farmers is rare or even non-existent. The main reasons for non-cultivation of the species are the uncertainty that the planted trees will bear fruits (80% of respondents) and the long duration of the vegetative growth phase (55% of respondents). 90% of respondents expressed their willingness to adopt the cultivation of the species if these constraints are circumvented. These findings showed that C. schweinfurthii would be an interesting candidate for participatory domestication in the Western Highland of Cameroon, for the intensification of agro-forestry systems. For this purpose, the establishment of an efficient protocol for asexual propagation of fruit-producing individuals is needed.

Ecology of Echinops giganteus A. Rich. in Sub-Saharan Africa: Distribution, Ecoclimatic Niche, and Phytosociology

Echinops giganteus A. Rich. is an aromatic and medicinal plant of the Asteraceae family exploited in Cameroon under the access and benefit sharing (ABS) standard. Despite its importance, little information exists on the ecology of E. giganteus. The aim of the present study was to contribute to a better understanding of its ecology for sustainable management in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Occurrence data as well as stationary ecological information were collected in the field and from different databases. Bioclimatic data were extracted from the WorldClim database and processed using DIVA-GIS and Maxent software. The Braun-Blanquet quadrat method was used for the phytosociological study. Results showed that the distribution of E. giganteus in its wild state is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. This distribution is likely conditioned by altitude (1000 m–2600 m), light, temperature, and rainfall. The bioclimatic variables that best explained this distribution were the mean annual temperature (Bio1: 38.8%) and the precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19: 24.9%), and their favorable ranges were between 2°C–32°C and 300 mm–1800 mm, respectively. E. giganteus is a heliophilic plant that prefers well-drained substrates and would not have a requirement for organic matter. The floristic analysis of the E. giganteus community identified 68 plant species in 59 genera and 28 botanical families, with the most represented family being the Asteraceae (49%). The average species richness per quadrat was 8 species, dominated by herbs. Species consistent with E. giganteus were Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams and Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. Chamaephytes and Phanerophytes were dominant among the biological types, while the phytogeographic types were dominated by Pantropical species (38.23%). The most represented diaspore types and modes of dissemination were pogonochores (35.85%) and anemochores (55.38%).

Effects of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)–Mucuna pruriens intercropping pattern on the agronomic performances of potato and the soil physicochemical properties of the western highlands of Cameroon

Abstract A field experiment was conducted at the teaching and research farm of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Dschang to investigate the effects of potato–Mucuna intercropping pattern on the agronomic performances of potatoes and the soil physicochemical properties in western highlands of Cameroon. The experiment design was a randomized complete block with three replications. The treatments included a pure potato stand (T1), pure Mucuna stand (T2), 1:1 (T3), 1:2 (T4), and 2:1 (T5) potato–Mucuna intercropping patterns. The results revealed that potato–Mucuna intercropping patterns had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on potato growth variables, soil physical properties, and the relative crowding coefficient. The highest potato yield (24,913 kg ha−1) and potato equivalent yield (81,513 kg ha−1) were obtained from the 1:1 intercropping pattern. The highest total LER (2.17) and the lowest (1.38) were obtained with 1:1 and 1:2 intercropping patterns, respectively. Area time equivalent ratio values were greater than 1 in 1:1 (1.46) and 2:1 (1.29) intercropping patterns. Mucuna proved to be the most aggressive and competitive species according to Ap and competitive ratio values except for the 1:2 intercropping pattern with K indicating a yield advantage in all intercropping patterns. 1:1 and 2:1 intercropping patterns gave the best C/N (13.94) and cation exchange capacity (36.12 meq 100 g−1), respectively. Late blight incidence was highest (16.88%) on potato sole crop stand and lowest (8.05%) on 1:2 intercropping pattern. Therefore, based on the findings of this experiment, 1:1 or 1:2 intercropping pattern could be recommended in potato–Mucuna intercropping system.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potentials of 22 Wild Mushrooms from the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Some fungi species thanks to their antioxidant activities have been found able to protect the liver against toxic substances. There is a lack of data on the antioxidant and the hepatoprotective potential of tropical Africa mushrooms. This study was to assess the antioxidant and protective effects of 22 wild mushrooms from the Noun Division in Cameroon against the hepatotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rat liver slices. Mushroom extracts were used for polyphenols, flavonoids, thiols and total amino acids content determinations and in vitro antioxidant properties assessment in comparison to that of vitamin C using 2,2-diphenyl1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing power (FRAP) and the superoxide dismutase-like (SOD-like) activity assays. The hepatoprotective capacity of the mushrooms extracts was evaluated by measuring their ability to inhibit the enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) leakage from rat liver slices and formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). As results, the species Afroboletus luteolus, Amanita rubescens, Ganoderma applanatum, Neonothopothanus hygrophanus, Termitomyces schimperi and Tylopilus sp. demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. In addition to this activity, A. luteolus, A. rubescens, T. schimperi and Tylopilus sp. exhibited the greatest protection effect against cisplatine toxicity. This study shows that the studied wild mushroom species possess prominent antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities and, consumption could provide both nutritional and health benefits to the population promoting contribution of fungi in food security

Growth, late blight and yield response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation in West region of Cameroon

Abstract The crop protection system in Cameroon is mainly based on the use of chemical pesticides which can lead to human and environmental health problems. Biological control is a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative control method that could be used to boost the production of quality potatoes. This study aims to test a biological control approach for potato growth, late blight, and yield using arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) inoculants. To achieve this, a split-plot experimental design consisting of two factors: potato varieties (Pamela and Cipira) and AMF dose (0 g, 20 g, and 40 g per plant) was used. Results showed that the interaction between variety and AMF doses was significant for growth variables for the treatment Cipira × 20 g AMF/plant showing the highest plant height (48.0 cm) at the 4th week after sowing (WAS). In addition, the combination of variety and AMF doses significantly reduced late blight incidence and severity, with the best result exhibited by Pamela variety × 40 g AMF/plant (53% and 10%, respectively). The treatments also showed a significant effect on root colonization, with Pamela × 40 g AMF/plant exhibiting the highest arbuscular content in the root system (93%). In terms of yield, the interaction between variety and AMF doses had a significant effect on tuber yields, with a yield of 50 and 55 t/ha recorded for Pamela at 20 g of AMF/plant and 40 g of AMF/plant, respectively. These results show that farm management practices based on AMF inoculations could efficiently increase potato productivity in the Western Highlands of Cameroon.