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A multidisciplinary monitory centre by smallholders in Cameroon to identify factors limiting plantain production

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 October 2005

Emmanuel Desdoigts ,
Moïse Kwa ,
Roger Fogain ,
Ludovic Temple ,
Patrick Sama Lang ,
Achille Bikoï  and
Raphaël Achard
Emmanuel Desdoigts
Affiliation:
CARBAP (Centre Africain de Recherche sur les Bananiers et Plantains), BP 832, Douala, Cameroon
Moïse Kwa
Affiliation:
CARBAP (Centre Africain de Recherche sur les Bananiers et Plantains), BP 832, Douala, Cameroon
Roger Fogain
Affiliation:
CARBAP (Centre Africain de Recherche sur les Bananiers et Plantains), BP 832, Douala, Cameroon
Ludovic Temple
Affiliation:
CARBAP (Centre Africain de Recherche sur les Bananiers et Plantains), BP 832, Douala, Cameroon
Patrick Sama Lang
Affiliation:
CARBAP (Centre Africain de Recherche sur les Bananiers et Plantains), BP 832, Douala, Cameroon
Achille Bikoï
Affiliation:
CARBAP (Centre Africain de Recherche sur les Bananiers et Plantains), BP 832, Douala, Cameroon
Raphaël Achard
Affiliation:
CARBAP (Centre Africain de Recherche sur les Bananiers et Plantains), BP 832, Douala, Cameroon
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Abstract

Introduction. In Cameroon, plantain plays a major role in food security. An increase in production is necessary to satisfy the demand. Since April 2002, CARBAP has supported a monitory centre of plantain production. The main objective is to prioritise studies of production constraints and characterise commercialisation strategies, in order to improve profitability for small-scale farmers. Materials and methods. Eighteen plots were identified within farms that represent the agro-ecological and socio-economic diversity of the region. Plots were considered as the sampling unit for agronomic and pathogenic constraints analysis. Farms were considered as the sampling unit used in the socio-economic constraint analysis. For each plot, a regular survey of 50 banana plants and agronomic practices was carried out. A survey of each farm was also set for the observation of production conditions thanks to the participation of smallholders. Results. It is possible to distinguish smallholders with different levels of diversification towards plantain production. Agronomic results in the plots surveyed were judged thanks to parameters of growth, yield and pest infestation. Good/bad results on young/older plots were basically distinguished. These divisions of individuals are influenced by initial factors (varieties available for planting, former crops in the plot), means available (inputs) and technical skills in plantain cultivation. Conclusion. This method allows the detection of indicators of diversification towards plantain cultivation and allows one to check the sustainability of such strategies. It is possible to propose improved technical practices. They will be used for further local studies aimed at improving the plantain production.

Keywords

CameroonMusa (plantains)surveyingeconomic analysisyield componentsfungal diseasesparasitismCamerounMusa (plantains)relevé (des données)analyse économiquecomposante de rendementmaladie fongiqueparasitisme
Type
Research Article
Information
Fruits , Volume 60 , Issue 4 , July 2005 , pp. 237 - 244
Copyright
© CIRAD, EDP Sciences

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References

Iratchet B., Un outil pour orienter la recherche et apporter des réponses aux problèmes des producteurs de plantains dans le sud-ouest du Cameroun : l’exemple de l’observatoire agro-phytosanitaire, in : Boto I., Fouré E., Ngalani J., Thornton T., Valat M. (Éds.), Les productions bananières : un enjeu économique majeur pour la sécurité alimentaire, Symposium, novembre 1998, Douala, Cameroun, Cirad, Montpellier, France, 1998, pp. 21–22.
Vilardebo, A., Le coefficient d’infestation, critère d’évaluation du degré d’attaques des bananeraies par Cosmopolites sordidus Germ., le charançon noir du bananier, Fruits 18 (3) (1973) 251–260.
Pierrot, J., Achard, R., Temple, L., Abadie, C., Fogain, R., Déterminants de la production de plantain dans le sud-ouest du Cameroun : intérêt d’un observatoire, Fruits 57 (2) (2002) 75–85. CrossRef