Western Highlands Research Articles

Relationships, parental involvement, and community support: Differences in school environment for boys and girls in rural Guatemala

Literacy rates in Guatemala range from 40% to 90% but widespread poverty and malnutrition hinder school attendance and educational attainment. The Western Highlands region of Guatemala has a large indigenous population and a bilingual Spanish and K’iche’ curriculum. This study explores how child, family, and community factors influence positive school environment, using a sample of 1590 sixth grade students. For male students, increased parental involvement had a positive and direct influence on healthy school environment. For female students, increased parental involvement had a positive and direct influence on healthy school environment. Teacher–student relationships may be a critical point of intervention.

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.

Influence of Tuber Seed Size on Susceptibility of Cipira Potato Variety to Aphid (Myzus persicae), and Potato Blight and Bacterial Wilt Diseases

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important tuber crops in the world and it is fourth among food crops after rice, wheat and maize. Potato is widely cultivated for its cheap source of carbohydrates, vitamins as well as minerals. In Cameroon, where potato provide a livelihood for most producers, especially in the Western highland, production is challenged by unavailability of appropriate seeds of local varieties or Cameroon improve varieties. Many decades ago, Cipira was released by the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Bambui, North West Region, Cameroon as an improved resistant variety. The current study evaluated the performance of Cipira considering seed sizes. Four seed sizes (20mm, 25mm, 30mm and 35mm diameter) were evaluated in a randomized complete block trial in Bambili in 2022 and 2023. Green peach aphid incidence was inversely related to tuber seed sizes (P < 0.05). Aphid population abundance was higher from plants with larger diameter. Late blight and bacterial wilt incidence and disease severity index was significantly higher for plants of smaller tuber seed size. Productivity was 8.06 t ha-1, 6.2 t ha-1, 5.7 t ha-1 and 5.8 t ha-1 from 35mm, 30mm, 25mm and 20mm tuber seed sizes, respectively in 2022. The yield in 2023 was 8.9 t ha-1, 7.8 t ha-1, 7.1 t ha-1, and 6.3 t ha-1, from 35mm, 30mm, 25mm and 20mm, respectively. For improved yield and reduced pest and diseases incidences, Cipira at 30 mm and 35 mm seed sizes are recommended.

Determination of Essential Soil Nutrient Levels from Tea Growing Areas in Western and Central Highlands of Kenya

Tea is a vital economic crop in Kenya, especially in the highlands, and is rich in beneficial ingredients like caffeine and polyphenols. Soil nutrients influence the health of tea plants. This study analyzed the levels of Sodium (Na), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), pH, and moisture content in soil samples from Kisii and Meru Counties. Samples were dried, ground, and digested using aqua regia, with elements analyzed via Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Phosphorus via UV-Vis Spectroscopy. Results for Kisii soil showed higher nutrient concentrations overall, except for Ca, K, and Na, which were higher in Meru. Kisii: Na (8.38 mg/kg), K (36.15 mg/kg), Ca (0.85 mg/kg), Mg (22.075 mg/kg), Mn (14.16 mg/kg), P (0.2765 mg/kg), Cu (2.66 mg/kg), Zn (8.445 mg/kg), MC (22.855%), pH 5.00. Meru: Na (8.69 mg/kg), K (38.6 mg/kg), Ca (0.95 mg/kg), Mg (17.41 mg/kg), Mn (5.675 mg/kg), P (0.236 mg/kg), Cu (0.975 mg/kg), Zn (8.13 mg/kg), MC (27.995%), pH

Characterization and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Sacred Forests in the Western Highlands Cameroon

Cameroon has a diversity of forest ecosystems, including sacred forests that have been preserved until now by traditional laws. The aim of this study was to characterize the vegetation of two sacred forests in the Western Highlands and to estimate the quantities of carbon stored by these forests. The inventories were carried out in 24 quadrats measuring 30 m x 30 m installed in the Bansoa and Baloum forests according to their surface area. Individuals with a diameter of 10 cm or more at breast height (1.30 m from the ground) were measured. Phytodiversity was assessed using the Shannon and Simpson indixes. The quantities of carbon stored by the sacred forests were obtained using allometric equations developed by other researchers and appropriate to the tropical zone. Overall, 50 species in 31 genera and 25 families were recorded. The diversity index values are low. They range from 1.47 to 2.52 bits per plot for the Shannon index, and from 0.70 to 0.91 for the Simpson index. Markhamia lutea and Cola acuminata are the most frequent and abundant species in the study area. The densities of individuals per hectare are 368 individuals/ha at Bansoa and 416 individuals/ha at Baloum and the basal area varies from 32.37 m2/ha to 38.44 m2/ha. The shrub layer dominates in both forests. Of the species recorded, 03 are Vulnerable and 02 are Endangered. Carbon sequestration was 286.84 t C/ha at Baloum and 232.44 t C/ha at Bansoa, with CO2 uptake of 1052.12 t CO2/ha and 853.55 t CO2 /ha respectively. The results of this study show that despite their small size, sacred forests play a significant role in the conservation of plant diversity and also help to reduce greenhouse gases in nature.

Agronomic performance of maize hybrids under Aspergillus flavus inoculation in Cameroon

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple crop in most of the sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) region, constrained by a multitude of plant diseases, with the ear and kernel rots being the most widespread and difficult to manage on maize. The objective of this study was to access the agronomic performance of F1 maize hybrids exposed to Aspergillus flavus, under different agro-ecological conditions, in Cameroon. A total of 120 genotypes of maize, including four commercial hybrids, were evaluated under A. flavus infection at two sites; namely Bangangte in the Western Highlands and Mbalmayo, in the Bimodal Humid Forest Zone of Cameroon. The study was conducted during 2020 - 2021 cropping seasons. Results revealed that at Bangangte site, six (89343X88094, 88099X88094, 90204XExp 124, 89246X87036, TZI-5-1171XExp 124 and 90219X1368) out of the top 20 high yielding hybrids, had significantly high (p<0.001 tolerance (0% severity) to Aspergillus ear rot infection. At Mbalmayo site, eight (8923X88094, TZI-5-1171XExp124, 89343X88094, 90219X87036, 89243X87036, 87014X88094, TZSTR1150X87036 and 89248X88094) out of the top 20 high yielding hybrids also showed significant high (P<0.001) tolerance (0% severity) to Aspergillus ear rot infection. The interaction between hybrids and location was significant (P<0.05) for all measured traits, except ear height, grain texture, ear insect damage and husk cover (P>0.05). The pooled broad sense heritability of hybrids in the two locations varied from 5% for grain texture to 92% for days to 50% physiological maturity. Grain yield was negatively correlated with Aspergillus ear rot disease incidence and severity. Hence, promising high yielding maize hybrids with appreciable tolerance to Aspergillus ear rot disease could be selected among the tested genotypes.

Vulnerability of communities' livelihoods to the impacts of climate change in north-western highlands of Tanzania

Climate change has emerged as one of the critical challenges to human well-being. Changing climate places direct and indirect impacts on human activities and is mainly triggered by non-climatic stressors, which are diverse and inherent in many communities. However, there has been diversity in how climate and non-climatic stress factors affect human well-being and thus requiring locally specific contextualisation of how climate change is driving change in many ecosystems. This study analysed climate and non-climate factors for communities' vulnerability and impacts using a landscape approach in selected villages in the western highlands of Tanzania, specifically in Kasulu and Buhigwe districts in Kigoma Region. The aim was to understand communities' vulnerability to the impacts of climate, and non-climate processes, particularly with regard to livelihoods and impacts, particularly in forest resources. Study sites and respondents were selected through simple random and purposive sampling methods. Data were collected through household surveys, key informants interviews, and focus group discussions. Meteorological data were used for the analysis of climatic changes. Quantitative data analysis tools included meteorological statistics software such as CLIDATA, INSTAT, XLSTAT and SPSS. Theme-content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings indicate inter-annual and seasonal variabilities of rainfall and temperature levels from the normal across the study sites. The study revealed significant increasing trends for mean annual Maximum and Minimum temperature. Significant changes in rainfall patterns were decreasing seasonal and annual rainfall trends, unreliable onset and cessation, and erratic seasonal rainfall. The maximum decline of seasonal rainfall had slope values of −14.51, while the maximum decline of annual rainfall trends had a slope value of −12.76. The minimum decline for seasonal rainfall had slope values of −2.17, and annual rainfall trends had slope values of −1.36. Villages in the highland zone were found to be highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and non-climate stress factors, with a 0.61 vulnerability index value. Major climate stress factors for communities' vulnerability included seasonal variability of rainfall and temperature increase, which influenced the increase of pests and diseases and other unfavourable climatic conditions that affect crop production and livestock keeping. The effects, directly and indirectly, influenced the low agricultural yields and decreased income. Non-climate stress factors such as landscape characteristics, mobility, inadequate extension services, and low household asset endowment might have been accelerating communities' vulnerability to the effects of the changing climate. Moreover, the study shows the climate change on a community's resilience. Generally, changes in climate conditions result in many adverse consequences and have been influencing communities' vulnerability.

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.

Socio technical characteristics of beekeeping and honey production in Cameroon

From January to December 2022, a study was carried out in Cameroon to have a global overview of apiculture in the aspect of production, technics and finances. In order to achieve these objectives, a sample of 113 beekeepers was surveyed within the country and databases of the livestock, Agriculture Ministries and National Statistics Institute were consulted. The results showed that beekeeping in Cameroon is mainly done by men (76%), and that beekeepers' ages range from 15 to over 60 years old and are either pure beekeepers, practising beekeeping as the only activity or partial beekeepers whose activity is secondary to another. Three types of hives are used by beekeepers with a significant difference between the areas (p<0.0001) namely conical made of straw in the Sudano-Guinean area, trapezoidal made of wood for the Kenyan Top Bar Hive (KTBH) and parallelepipedal for the Langstroth hives and its variants in the bimodal forest and western highlands areas. An average number of 36.18±20.23 hives per beekeeper was obtained, with an annual average production of 14.56±11.68 litres per hive. Sales revenue per beekeeper obtained was 583,015.27 ± 72,369.52 FCFA (1,166.03 ±144.74 USD) with a significant difference (p<0.001) between the areas. This study has given an insight into Cameroonian apiculture and the overall results suggest that the country has one of the greatest potential in the continent with an increase in production over the last five years.

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.

Response of Congo Grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis L. Germain and Evard) to Nitrogen Fertilization on an Oxisol in Western Highlands Agro-ecological Zone of Cameroon

Response of Congo Grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis L. Germain and Evard) to Nitrogen Fertilization on an Oxisol in Western Highlands Agro-ecological Zone of Cameroon

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.

Blue-green water resource availability dynamics in the upper Awash basin, central Ethiopia: implications for agricultural water scarcity assessment

Quantifying and characterizing the spatial distribution of freshwater availability and water scarcity plays an indispensable role in managing water resources in a basin. This study aimed at quantifying green and blue water resource availability using an eco-hydrological model under different land use land cover conditions between 2000–2010 and 2020 in the upper Awash basin, central Ethiopia. Further, the agricultural water scarcity is assessed for dominantly cultivated crops in the basin. The freshwater components such as the green water (GW) flow (∼1041–1240 mm/yr), blue water (BW) flow (277–304 mm/yr), and GW storage (809-872 mm/yr) were observed to be high in the western highlands compared to the central and eastern parts of the basin. The results of GW scarcity indices show low to moderate scarcity for rainfed crops, and moderate to significant BW scarcity for irrigated sugarcane. Integrating GW potential to reduce BW scarcity in the basin is thus crucial.