In peri-urban areas of Yaounde, Cameroon, vegetable farming
plays a significant role in the local agricultural economy. This study aims to
assess the structure of vegetable farming and farmers' perceptions of soil and
water degradation in two peri-urban areas in Yaoundé, Cameroon, namely
Nkolondom III and Nkolbisson. Peri-urban areas are characterized by the
interface of urban and rural activities and are often subjected to various
environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization. Understanding the dynamics
of vegetable farming and farmers' perceptions of soil and water degradation is
crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management.
Results of our investigation in Nkolondom III and Nkolbisson Peri-urban areas
in 2016 and 2023 showed that most vegetable farmers (75%) lack training in
agriculture, while up to 90% didn’t benefit from training on the management of
pesticides. Spreading and landfilling of amendments are the most popular ways
of applying fertilizers. It is interesting to note that the majority of
fertilizers (90%) are applied at planting time, indicating that farmers
commonly apply fertilizers just before or during the planting phase. Besides,
young plots are more exploited (52.4% and 30%) compared to older ones (2.4% and
5%) in Nkolondom III and Nkolbisson, respectively, as they are more responsive
to fertilizer application. As a consequence, excessive and unbalanced
fertilizer is applied to the oldest farms, which can lead to nutrient
imbalances, environmental pollution, and negative impacts on soil health. For
irrigation water, it usually comes from streams or small wells that are often
highly polluted. The farmers’ perception of degradation is seen through the
degradation of soil properties with time in the order of 14.3% to 60% and 15% to
44% at Nkolbisson and Nkolondom III respectively, resulting in a gradual
decrease in crop production (up to 50%). It is also seen by introduction of
contaminants into the soil through polluted water, affecting the quality of
crops and potentially posing a risk to human health.
Author(s) Details:
Yvette Clarisse Mfopou Mewouo,
University Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01,
Burkina Faso and Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Cameroon.
Mamadou
Traore,
University
Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
Amina Aboubakar,
Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Cameroon.
Jules Remy Ndam Ngoupayou,
University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.
Didier Begoude,
Institute
of Agricultural Research for Development, Cameroon.
Zacharia
Gnankambary,
University
Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
Hassan Bismarck Nacro,
University Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01,
Burkina Faso.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V5/article/view/13913
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