Evaluation of Traditional Know-How for the Cultivation of Muskuwaari Transplanted Sorghum in a Context of Climate Change (Mayo-Danay and Mayo-Kani, Far North Cameroon)

Abstract

Aims: Sorghum is a staple food crop and accounts for more than half of cereal production in the Far North region. It is ranked among the seven most important agricultural products in the CEMAC zone. Approximately 12% of this dry season sorghum, known as transplanted sorghum, is used extensively in the population's diet. Study Design: The study conducted from 2017 to 2019 aims to assess the adopted techniques for better exploitation of Muskuwaari in the Far North region of Cameroon in a context where climate change has a strong influence on agricultural yield. Methodology: The evaluation of Muskuwaari cultivation techniques is based on farmer surveys and direct field observations. A total of 390 people were surveyed in six  different villages in the two regions. Results: Cultivation lasts from July to April, for a period of 10 months. Several activities were identified: primary preparation of the field from July to August, setting up nurseries from August (This activity is poorly represented in Kalfou (16.92% on both types of soil) and in Kaélé (18.46% on clay soil and 13.85% on hydromorphic soil), preparation of the field from September (The most common techniques used today are spraying and transplanting (Technique 6): 34.92% in Guidiguis, 52.31% in Touloum, 50.77% in Kaélé, 62.50% in Kalfou, 35.38% in Doukoula, 55.38% in Tchatibali on average for the clay type soil and 40,63% in Guidiguis, 47.69% in Touloum, 56.92% in Kaélé, 52.46% in Kalfou, 47.62% in Doukoula, 46.77% in Tchatibali on average for the hydromorphic type soil), transplanting from September, weeding from November and harvesting from January. These activities vary according to the type of soil used and the villages. Conclusion: The analysis of these Muskuwaari cultivation techniques showed a slight shift in relation to the cultivation calendar described in the past by other authors. This shift is caused by the change in climate that shortens and/or extends the rainy season from one year to the next.