Traditional food crop growing in the Yaoundé area (Cameroon) Part I. Synopsis of the system

Abstract

Rural population density in the Mefou and Lékié divisions is 82 and 102 persons per km², respectively. Food crop growing in the area (annual rainfall approx. 1600 mm, altitude 700 m) is based on shifting cultivation. The main field type is the groundnut field; groundnuts are grown mainly in association with cassava, tannia, maize and plantains. The cropping period covers some 2 years but transition to the succeeding fallow is gradual; harvest of tuber crops and plantains may extend into the fallow period. Duration of the fallow is variable but for many field near dwellings is very short (3–5 years). Shortening of the fallow is the only adjustment to increased cropping intensities.

The system is discussed in relation to the original system, which consisted of a much longer fallow, followed by growing of ngôn (Cucumeropsis mannii) with tubercrops, maize and plantains and thereafter only the groundnut field. Some suggestions for the improvement of the present-day system are presented, including fallow management and use of crop debris as mulch.