Zone Of Cameroon Research Articles

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of honey from Cameroon agroecological zones

Cellular respiration produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to oxidative stress and significant health issues, including chronic diseases and cancer. Antioxidants play a critical role in neutralizing ROS. This study investigates the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of honey sourced from five distinct agroecological zones in Cameroon. Multifloral honey samples (n=9) were collected from local beekeepers and analyzed for parameters including density, pH, total sugar content, total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content (FC), and antioxidant potential (DPPH, FRAP, TAC). The samples ranged in color from light amber to dark amber, with densities between 1.43 and 1.51 g/mL and sugar contents of 70.33% to 83.16%. pH levels varied from 3.30 to 4.10. Antioxidant analysis revealed phenolic contents ranging from 26.75 to 85.06 mg GAE/100 g and flavonoid contents between 5.22 and 14.47 mg QE/100 g. Significant differences in antioxidant activity were noted, particularly in correlation with color intensity and pH. Honeys with more reddish and greenish hues exhibited better FRAP values, while those with a pH around 4 showed improved DPPH activity. This preliminary study underscores the importance of regional differences in honey quality and its potential health benefits, advocating for further research on the diverse honey types in Cameroon.

Housing and Reintegration Problems of Displaced People from Conflict Zone in Cameroon

The aim of this article is to present and summarize all the research focused for the study of the design of a sustainable reception center for displaced populations in the Dschang area of Cameroon, specifically in the Tchoualé neighborhood. This topic is of crucial importance in light of the increasing conflicts and forced displacements worldwide. The motivations behind this study are based on the urgency of addressing the fundamental needs of displaced individuals, who often face precarious living conditions and a lack of basic infrastructure. The central issue was to determine how to design a reception center that not only meets the immediate and evolving needs of the displaced but is also sustainable and resilient. The research questions included assessing the current state of existing reception centers, evaluating the specific needs of the displaced, developing an appropriate architectural approach for this context, and assessing the project's impacts. The overall objective was to design a sustainable reception center that highlights a comprehensive architectural program addressing the essential needs of displaced populations. Specific objectives included producing a critical analysis of the living conditions of the displaced, developing an adapted approach for the center, creating digital models, and evaluating the impact and feasibility of the project.

Histidine-rich protein (hrp) 2-based RDT false-negatives and Plasmodium falciparum hrp 2 and 3 gene deletions in low, seasonal and intense perennial transmission zones in Cameroon: a cross - sectional study.

False negative rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) accruing to the non-detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2/3 (Pfhrp2/3) is threatening the diagnosis and management of malaria. Although regular monitoring is necessary to gauge the level of efficacy of the tool, studies in Cameroon remain limited. This study assessed Plasmodium spp. prevalence and Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions across ecological and transmission zones in Cameroon. This is a cross-sectional, multi-site, community- and hospital- based study, in 21 health facilities and 14 communities covering all five ecological settings in low seasonal (LS) and intense perennial (IPT) malaria transmission zones between 2019 and 2021. Participants were screened for malaria parasite using Pfhrp2 RDT and light microscopic examination of thick peripheral blood smears. DNA was extracted from dried blood spot using chelex®-100 and P. falciparum confirmed using varATS real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), P. malariae and P. ovale by real-time qPCR of Plasmepsin gene, and P. vivax using a commercial kit. Isolates with amplified Pfcsp and Pfama-1 genes were assayed for Pfhrp 2/3 gene deletions by conventional PCR. A total of 3,373 participants enrolled, 1,786 Plasmodium spp. infected, with 77.4% P. falciparum. Discordant RDT and qPCR results (False negatives) were reported in 191 (15.7%) P. falciparum mono-infected samples from LS (29%, 42) and IPT (13.9%, 149). The Pfhrp2+/Pfhrp3 + genotype was most frequent, similar between LS (5.5%, 8/145) and IPT (6.0%, 65/1,076). Single Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 gene deletions occurred in LS (0.7%, 1/145 each) and IPT (3.6%, 39/1,076 vs. 2.9%, 31/1,076), respectively. Whilst a single sample harboured Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3- genotype in LS, 2.4% (26/1,076) were double deleted at IPT. Pfhrp2+/Pfhrp3- (0.3%, 3/1,076) and Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3+ (1.2%, 13/1,076) genotypes were only observed in IPT. Pfhrp2, Pfhrp3 deletions and Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3- genotype accounted for 78.8% (26), 69.7% (23) and 63.6% (21) RDT false negatives, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum remains the most dominant and widely distributed Plasmodium species across transmission and ecological zones in Cameroon. Although the low prevalence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions supports the continued use of HRP2-based RDTs for routine malaria diagnosis, the high proportion of false-negatives due to gene deleted parasites necessitates continued surveillance to inform control and elimination efforts.

Investigating smallholder farmers’ practical experiences, perceptions and response to climate change: An empirical analysis in Cameroon

Climate change is constraining rural wellbeing, agriculture and food security. This necessitates adaptive strategies to overcome negative effects especially at the level of low-income tropical farming households. Using survey data from farming households in the Western Highland and the Bimodal Rainfall Humid Forest agro-ecological zones in Cameroon, this study evaluates the socio-economic and institutional factors associated with farmers’ perception and adaptive response to climate variability and change. We employed a logistic regression model to estimate the drivers of farmers’ perception. Our results show that farmers’ experience and land status (ownership) are positively associated with farmers’ ability to perceive climate change in the Western highlands agro-ecological zone. Access to credit, membership in a farmers’ organisation and gender are significant drivers in the Rainforest agro-ecological zone. Our findings show that different socio-economic and institutional factors drive perception and these factors differ between zones. The findings have important implications for short-term adoption of coping strategies and medium-term adaptation planning. We suggest that farmers’ capacity is improved through early-warning climate information and the creation of farmer field school to vulgarise climate smart farming techniques and supplemented with timely technical support from the governmental extension services.

Climate, agroecology, and farm returns: differential impacts with implications for agricultural progress in the face of climate change

Climate change is expected to have differential impacts on different zones. In this study, we employed the Ricardian technique, estimated through ordinary least squares (OLS) to assess the impact of climate change on farmers’ revenue. We use survey data from two distinct agroecological zones in Cameroon. Our results show that rainfall is the main climatic variable affecting farmers’ revenue. The results are statistically different for the two agroecological zones. While rainfall in the dry season affects revenue in the western highland zone. No climatic variable seems to affect farm revenue in the bimodal forest zone. These results suggest that the abundance of forest in the bimodal zone maybe be shielding the zone from the effects of climate change. We therefore recommend that farmers employ water harvesting and low-cost irrigation methods to cope with changes in rainfall pattern especially in extended dry seasons. Facilitating farmers’ access to climate information particularly with respect to the onset and cessation of rains will improve the planning of farm operations.

Determinants and constraints of carrot (Daucus carota L.) production and marketing in Cameroon.

The market gardening sector in Cameroonian agriculture is facing a challenge in producing vegetables to meet consumer needs. Among these vegetables, carrot is known to play an important role in the livelihood of millions of people around the world. It is therefore important to understand its technical itinerary in the different agricultural basins in order to provide further information on carrot production. This study aimed to identify the different production constraints faced by carrot growers by providing information on applied growing systems. Two surveys were conducted using a questionnaire simultaneously with carrot traders and producers. A total of 218 carrot traders and 62 producers were interviewed. Nine basins were identified as main carrot production zones in Cameroon. In the production basins, five main varieties namely New Kuroda, Pamela+, Madona, Amazonia and Vanessa F1 were identified. The agricultural yield of carrots is related to the growing area, fertilization method, size of the field and ploughing. Farmers use an integrated fertilization approach based on chemical fertilizer (N-P-K: 20-10-10) and chicken manure at various doses, from 250 to 500 Kg.ha-1 and 2.5 to 9 t.ha-1 respectively. Factors such as farmland area, number of cultivated plots, experience in cultivation, family size and amounts of organic and chemical fertilizers used have been found to have significant impact on carrot production. However, among the many technical problems faced by producers and which result in low carrots yields, is the lack of knowledge of soil properties. This in turn contributes to inappropriate fertilization and poor choice of the appropriate variety to be cultivated. Low germination, the lack of efficient irrigation systems and the high costs of agricultural inputs are the main constraints that affect carrot production. Although valued by market gardeners, the benefit in a production season is not always enough to encourage more farmers to grow carrots. Thus, there is a need to develop a follow-up policy for the quality and high yield production of the carrot sector.

Adoption of innovation and farm productivity in the Sudano-Saharan zone in Cameroon

Adoption of innovation and farm productivity in the Sudano-Saharan zone in Cameroon

SAVOIRS ET USAGES LOCAUX DE SCORODOPHLOEUS ZENKERI HARMS (FABACEAE) ET AFROSTYRAX LEPIDOPHYLLUS MILDBR (HUACEAE) EN ZONE FORESTIERE ET SAVANE HUMIDE AU CAMEROUN

In the forest zone of Central Africa in general and Cameroon in particular, medicinal and food plants constitute the most important category of NTFPs, and many medicinal species contribute to income, cultural identity and improved well-being in rural and peri-urban households. Among these NTFPs, S. zenkeri and A. lepidophyllus, with their multiple uses, remain very useful plants for socio-cultural groups. The aim of this study was to inventory local knowledge and management practices according to ethnic groups and agro-ecological zones in Cameroon. The study was conducted in two agro-ecological zones (Savannah and Forest). Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 138 people involved in the S. zenkeri and A. lepidophyllus value chain. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the different variables. Six ethnic groups were surveyed. The organs (S. zenkeri and A. lepidophyllus) used by these ethnic groups were seeds, barks, leaves and roots. Three main categories of use were recorded (food, medicinal, commercial) according to these organs. The seeds were used more for sale and self-consumption, while the barks, leaves and roots of S. zenkeri and A. lepidophyllus were used to treat 17 and 12 illnesses and symptoms respectively, including headaches, stomach ache, toothache, coughs and aches, etc. Despite its many uses by different ethnic groups, the species is subject to various anthropogenic pressures and benefits very little from conservation measures. Previous research should focus on its sylviculture to ensure its domestication.

Knowledge, attitude, and adherence to malaria control guidelines and the prevalence of Plasmodium species infection in localities across transmission and ecological zones in Cameroon.

Despite a scale up of control interventions over the years, malaria remains a major public health and economic concern in Cameroon, contributing considerably to hospitalization and deaths. The effectiveness of control strategies depends on the extent of adherence by the population to national guidelines. This study assessed the influence of human knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria and its control on the prevalence of malaria parasite infection, with implications for the elimination of the disease. This is a cross-sectional community and hospital-based study, covering the five ecological and three malaria transmission zones in Cameroon. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to document socio-demographic and clinical parameters as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward malaria control and management. Consenting participants were screened for malaria parasite with rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) of the peripheral blood. Association between qualitative variables was determined using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. A total of 3,360 participants were enrolled, 45.0% (1,513) of whom were mRDT positive, with 14.0% (451/3,216) and 29.6% (951/3,216) having asymptomatic parasitaemia and malaria, respectively. Although most participants knew the cause, symptoms, and control strategies, with 53.6% (1,000/1,867) expertly knowledgeable about malaria overall, only 0.1% (2/1,763) individuals were fully adherent to malaria control measures. The risk of malaria in Cameroon remains high, with the population considerably knowledgeable about the disease but poorly adherent to national malaria control guidelines. Concerted and more effective strategies aimed at improving knowledge about malaria and adherences to control interventions are necessary to ultimately eliminate the disease.

Impacts of Floods on Agriculture-Dependent Livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Assessment from Multiple Geo-Ecological Zones

Surging extreme events, particularly floods, have stimulated growing research on their epidemiology, management, and effects on livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), especially for agriculture-dependent households. Unfortunately, the topical literature is still characterized by independent, isolated cases, with limited relevance to understanding common flood effects across geographical space and time. We bridge this knowledge gap by analyzing the effects of multiple cases of flash, coastal and riverine-cum-pluvial (‘complex’) floods on agriculture-dependent livelihoods in three (Sudano Sahelian, Coastal and Western Highlands) geo-ecological zones in Cameroon. The analysis makes use of a sample of 2134 flood victims (1000 of them in the Sudano-Sahelian, 242 in the Coastal, and 892 in the Western Highlands zones) of 26 independent community floods: 11 in the Sudano-Sahelian, 3 in the Coastal, and 12 in the Western Highlands zone. Irrespective of flood type and geo-ecology, agriculture-dependent livelihoods were gravely impaired. However, the impacts on livelihoods and public goods (such as road or communication systems) significantly varied in the different geo-ecological zones. The study concludes with the need to include context-specificity in the flood impact assessment equation, while identifying common effects, as is the case with agriculture in this study. We emphasize the need to up-scale and comparatively analyze flood effects across space and time to better inform flood management policies across SSA.

Rabies in Non-Canine Species: A Retrospective Study of Laboratory Detected Cases in the Sahelian Zone of Cameroon from 2014 To 2020

A seven years retro-prospective study (2014–2020) was conducted to determine non-canine rabies cases detected at the LANAVET, in the Northern regions of Cameroon. Information was collected from laboratory registers and reports within the defined period. The main results show that 76/278 (27.3%) non-canine rabies cases have been detected (63/218 in DFAT: 28.9%; 13/60 in PCR: 21.7%). Five groups (Chiroptera: 88.2%; Felines: 6.6%; Primates, Bovidae and Suidae: 5.3%) and ten animal species were concerned. These results highlight the necessity to conduct an active surveillance of rabies in dogs and bats, to minimise other mammal cases.

Agronomic Characterization of Bambara Groundnuts Accessions (Vigna subterranea (L.)) on Sudano-Guinean zone, Adamawa-Cameroon

Aims: This study aims to identify agronomic traits responsible for the variation between 20 accessions of Bambara groundnuts in order to retain adapted genotype on pedoclimatic conditions of the Sudano-Sahelean area of Cameroon.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out on July 2015 in Dang on Sudano-Guinean zone of Cameroon in order to identify agronomic traits responsible for variation among 20 accessions of Bambara groundnuts.
 Methodology: The experimental design in field is a block completely randomized with 3 repetitions. Eleven quantitative characters selected among the describer of Bambara groundnut were evaluated by the multivariate analysis.
 Results: The analysis of variance shows a significant difference for ten characters among eleven characters studied which show an important variability between these characters. Seven characters are correlated on two prime of principles components which explaining 44.32 % of total variability. Dendrogram rising of hierarchical classification permit to differentiate 5 groups of morphological diversity. The fifth group gathers the earliest varieties with a time of 121 days maturity. Highly positive correlation is (r=0.72). Characters analyzed may constitute some base of criterion to differentiate the varieties from others regions and must be used on the program of improvement varieties of Bambara groundnut in Cameroon.
 Conclusion: In all of the 11 characters evaluated in this study, only one of them could not differentiate the accessions. Important variability between characters was observed. The rising of hierarchical classification showed one of important agronomic diversity and regroup the accessions in 5 groups.

Infection coefficient of Maize streak virus, leafhoppers composition and control using biopesticids and some cultural practices in agro-ecological zones of Cameroon

Infection coefficient of Maize streak virus, leafhoppers composition and control using biopesticids and some cultural practices in agro-ecological zones of Cameroon

Phenotypic characteristics and Gene Frequency of the Banyo Gudali zebu (Bos indicus) variety in the high Guinean Savannah zone of Cameroon

This study is aimed at evaluating the phenptypic and genetic diversity of local cattle breeds in Cameroon. To this end, biometric data were collected randomly in six (6) localities of the Mayo-Banyo Division, on a sample of 321 adult Banyo Gudali zebu cattle (234 cows and 87 bulls) aged between 6 and 16 years and having a body condition score varying from 2 to 4. Results reveal a variability of the coat color i.e., 19,00% white coat and its derivatives (speckled, stoat, grey, truiture); 9.99% black coat and its derivatives (black list and black piebald); 18.06% piebald (4.67% black piebald and 13.39 red piebald); 52.94% red and its derivatives (red piebald and red list). The single-colored coats are less represented (38.94%)compared to double-colored coats (61.06%). The frequency of alleles S+, D, ED, Aa, E+, s, A+, e and P are respectively 0.315; 0.201; 0.140; 0.267; 0.859; 0.685; 0.733; 0.386 and 1.000. There is a predominance of white-black horns (50.2%) over grey horns (42.4%). This population is characterized by long hairs, straight-edged ears oriented laterally and with humps occupying a cervico-thoracic position. The facial and back profiles are straight. The neck has a horizontal curved profile, the rump with a low set tail. Crescent shaped horns predominate (73,5%) followed by the horns in low lyre (15,9%) with the other shapes (stump, lateral pointed tip, crown and asymmetrical deformed right or left) being the least represented. The raised horns (92.5%) are predominant. Erect and moderate humps (86.6%) are dominant over drooping ones (13.4%).

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.

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.

Diversity of medicinal plants used in the treatment of typhoid fever in the High Guinean savannah zone of Cameroon

The present study consisted of an inventory of medicinal plants used in the treatment of typhoid fever by the populations of the Vina division of Cameroon. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out among 20 naturopaths using survey forms. The naturopaths were 80% male and over 50 years of age. Twenty-four species were identified in the Vina subdivision as treating typhoid fever. Leaves were the most commonly used parts (58%) and decoction was the most commonly used preparatory method (99%). The oral administration is the most used mode in the treatment of typhoid (100%). These results show us that medicinal plants can contribute to the treatment of some diseases, subject to biological exploration of their activity so that these plants can constitute a source of improved traditional medicines for the treatment of typhoid fever.

Comparative Experimental Effects of Intercropping and Cypermethrin on Insect Pest Infestation and Yield of Maize, Cowpea and Okra in Two Cameroonian Agro-Ecological Zones

The present study investigates the effect of intercropping (maize-cowpea, maize-okra, maize-okra-cowpea, okra-cowpea) compared to insecticide application on the level of infestation of insect pests and the final yield of maize, cowpea and okra. Field experiments were conducted during the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons in the Guinean Savannah (Dang-Ngaoundere) and Sudano Sahelian (Gouna-Garoua) agro-ecological zones in Cameroon. Our experimental design was a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block with four replications. The main factor was assigned to the use of insecticide (Cypermethrin) and sub plots were devoted for cropping systems. We compared the efficiency of intercropping to that of Cypermethrin application on the Yield of maize, cowpea and okra as influenced by insect pest damages. The comparison of monocropped sprayed by Cypermethrin to unsprayed showed that, in Dang, insect pests reduced maize yield by 37% and 24% in 2016 and 2017, respectively, whereas in Gouna, it was lower than 8% during the both years. Reduction in seed yield by insect pests on cowpea in Dang represented 47% and 50% in 2016 and 2017, respectively, whereas in Gouna, it was 55% and 63% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. For okra, insect pests reduced okra fruit yield by 25% and 44% in Dang and 23% and 28% in Gouna, respectively, in 2016 and 2017. Crop yield was lower in intercropping compared to monoculture due to competition of plants in association on different resources. Considering the total yields obtained from each intercropping, intercropping trials resulted generally in higher yields compared to mono-culture (LER > 1) in both sites and years but the respective yields were quite different. On the basis of the results obtained, we recommend maize-cowpea intercropping as a sustainable solution to reduce the infestation level of their pest insects.

Environmental Factors Associated With Loa loa Microfilaria Prevalence and Intensity in Diverse Bioecological Zones of Cameroon

Loiasis (African Eye Worm) is a filarial infection caused by Loa loa and transmitted by Chrysops vectors, which are confined to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. Loiasis is a major impediment to control and elimination programmes that use the drug ivermectin due to the risk of serious adverse events. There is an urgent need to better refine and map high-risk communities. This study aimed to quantify and predict environmental factors associated with loiasis across five bioecological zones in Cameroon. The L. loa microfilaria (mf) prevalence (%) and intensity (mf number/ml) data from 42 villages within an Equatorial Rainforest and Savannah region were examined in relation to climate, topographic and forest-related data derived from satellite remote sensing sources. Differences between zones and regions were examined using nonparametric tests, and the relationship between L. loa mf prevalence, mf intensity, and the environmental factors using polynomial regression models. Overall, the L. loa mf prevalence was 11.6%, L. loa intensity 927.4 mf/ml, mean annual temperature 23.7°C, annual precipitation 2143.2 mm, elevation 790 m, tree canopy cover 46.7%, and canopy height 19.3m. Significant differences between the Equatorial Rainforest and Savannah region were found. Within the Equatorial Rainforest region, no significant differences were found. However, within the Savannah region, significant differences between the three bioecological zones were found, and the regression models indicated that tree canopy cover and elevation were significant predictors, explaining 85.1% of the L. loa mf prevalence (adjusted R2 = 0.851; p<0.001) and tree cover alone was significant, explaining 58.1% of the mf intensity (adjusted R2 = 0.581; p<0.001). The study highlights that environmental analysis can help delineate risk at different geographical scales, which may be practical for developing larger scale operational plans for mapping and implementing safe effective interventions.

Effect of Plant Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Rainfed Rice (Oryza Sativa) in the Bimodal Rain Forest Zone of Cameroon

A study was carried out on plant density at the experimental field of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Nkolbisson, Yaoundé to determine the appropriate spacing to improve rainfed rice production in the bimodal rainfall forest zone of Cameroon. The experiment was conducted during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018. The planting spacing used were 15cm x 15cm, 20cm x 20cm, 25cm x 25cm and 30cm x 30cm giving the plant populations of 444444, 250000, 160,000 and 111,111 plants / ha respectively using two varieties (Nerica 3 and Nerica 8). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed in the growth and yield across the years. Treatments were highly significant concerning the number of days to the appearance of the first flower, the number of days to 50% flowering, and the number of days to 50 % maturity. Plants were taller with more tillers and gave higher yields in 2017 than those of 2018. The spacing significantly affected the plant height, number of tillers, and panicle length for both varieties. The interaction of spacing and variety was significant for the number of tillers per m2 and the number of seeds per panicle, however, it was not for the weight of 1000 grains and the percentage of full bales. The yield components determining yield increase were the number of panicles / m2 and the number of seeds/panicles. Nerica 3 variety gave higher yields compared to the Nerica 8, the closer the spacing, the higher the yield. There were a strong significance and positive correlation between yield, number of panicles, and the number of grain per panicle. The spacing that gives the highest number of panicle per m2 was 15 cm X 15 cm and this spacing gave good yield in the region where the study was carried out.