Determinants of yield differences in small-scale food crop farming systems in Cameroon

Background:
In sub-Saharan Africa, small-scale farmers make up the majority of food producers. Whilerecognizing that the yields per hectare for main food crops are generally low in small-scalefood production systems in this region, there are considerable differences in yield outputamong individual farmers. At the very local scale, why do these differences exist? Byexamining factors that are associated with yield differences, policy can be better informedand tailored to respond to challenges of food production among this important group ofproducers.
Results:
When the influence of biophysical factors is controlled by sampling farmers within the sameenvironment, the analysis distinguishes three clusters of factors with which food crop yielddifferences can be associated: the input, management and socio-cultural clusters. In the inputcluster, the use of basic inputs such as animal droppings and improved seeds do significantlyimprove yields. However, there are constraints at farm and household levels that may have tobe overcome to optimize the availability and use of these inputs. In the farm managementcluster, the method of residue management and the control of pests and crop diseases areimportant in determining yield differences. Issues of gender rights and access to agriculturalproduction resources dominate socio-cultural clusters.
Conclusions:
Small investments that are properly targeted to improve basic techniques of farming canmake an appreciable difference in food crop yields and food security at the local level. Whiledirected investments in services such as extension may contribute significantly to propagatethe use of some technologies (composting, residue management, manure use), costconstraints limit the propagation of other technologies (advanced seed development andimprovement, production of inorganic fertilizers) to higher levels of food governancesystems. Women form an important population among small-scale farmers and play anindispensable role in food production. Addressing constraints to their access to foodproduction resources (physical, financial, cultural, legal) would be a vital step towardssustainably improving food production. Present food demand trends in sub-Saharan Africaoffer an opportunity through which many small-holder farming communities can be drawnout of poverty if some local-level challenges to yield improvement can be overcome.

Source: http://www.agricultureandfoodsecurity.com/content/1/1/19

news auto sport medical