Abstract

This study examines the effects of pre-harvest of cocoyam production on the farmers’ livelihood in the Bova Village of the South West Region. The study investigates the impact of pre-harvest practices on the yield and quality of cocoyam, as well as the economic, social, and environmental consequences for farmers in the village.

Data was collected through qualitative research methods, including interviews with farmers, observations, and focus group discussions with a sample size of 70 respondents The study finds that pre-harvest practices have significant effects on the farmers’ livelihood in the Bova Village. Pre-harvest practices such as early harvesting, non-use of organic fertilizers, and non-removal of weeds negatively impact the yield and quality of cocoyam.

This, in turn, affects the income and food security of farmers in the village. The study also finds that pre-harvest practices have negative social and environmental consequences. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is harmful to the health of farmers and the environment.

The study recommends the adoption of sustainable pre-harvest practices that promote the use of organic fertilizers, removal of weeds, and proper harvesting techniques to improve the yield and quality of cocoyam. The study concludes that the effects of pre-harvest of cocoyam production on the farmers’ livelihood in the Bova Village are significant.

The study used a combination of literature reviews and fieldwork to analyze the effects of pre-harvest practices on the farmers’ livelihood in the Bova Village.In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the effects of pre-harvest of cocoyam production on the farmers’ livelihood in the Bova Village of the South West Region.

The study highlights the need for sustainable pre-harvest practices that promote the use of organic fertilizers, removal of weeds, and proper harvesting techniques to improve the yield and quality of cocoyam. The study’s findings and recommendations can inform policy and decision-making processes related to the sustainable production of cocoyam in the Bova Village and other similar regions.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Cocoyam is an important root crop grown by smallholder farmers in many African countries, including Cameroon. The crop is a source of food and income for many rural households, and its production plays a critical role in the livelihoods of farmers.

However, the pre-harvest of cocoyam production often has negative effects on the farmers’ livelihoods, particularly in the Bova village. This chapter provides an introduction to the effects of pre-harvest of cocoyam production on the farmers’ livelihood in the Bova village.

Bova village is located in the Southwest region of Cameroon, with a population of approximately 5,000 people. The village is predominantly rural, and agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the residents. Cocoyam is one of the major crops grown in the village, and it is an important source of food and income for the farmers. However, the pre-harvest of cocoyam production has significant effects on the farmers’ livelihoods. Pre-harvest losses due to pests and diseases, poor soil fertility, and lack of access to markets and credit facilities have led to reduced yields and income for the farmers. This has resulted in poverty, food insecurity, and low standards of living in the village.

Cocoyam is an important root crop that is widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and South America. In the Bova village, which is located in Nigeria, cocoyam production is a significant agricultural activity. Pre-harvest practices are critical in ensuring a successful cocoyam harvest.

Cocoyams provide the staple food for most of the large communities in the southern

forest zone where macabo dominates and in the western highlands, where taro is the main

type cultivated. , ” Prpduction. Exact tonnage production are not known but the figures made available by $e Statistical Service ofthe Ministry of Agriculture and the projected targets of the

4th Five year Development ~lan, shown in Table 1 indicate that, outside plantains  (Musa spp.), root crops command the highest food tonnages and cocoyams were next to cassava in 1974/75 with just over 700,000 tons. Although ravaged during the last two years by the macabo root rot disease, the combined production of aroids in the current year is estimated to be over 900,000 tons.

About 60% of this is macabo, supplied mainly by the forest zone. This production, comes from small peasant holdings of about a quarter to a third of an hectare in size, usually intercropped. Most ‘of the crop is consumed by the-grower, with less.!han a third entering any trade at all, local or foreign. Some quantity of coco- 647

/ International Symposium on Tropical Root and Tuber Cropsyam is exported with other foodstuffs, to neighbouring Gabon in the south and the Central African Empire to the east.

Utilization and food preparation of macabo and taro. Cocoyam is a major staple in some communities in Cameroon as mentioned earlier and is not a femine crop resorted to when cereals and other food types fail, as in Ghana (Karikari; 1971) or other countries. The tuber, which is a secondary growth from the mother corm or rootstock, is used as a vegetable prepared in various ways and eaten with sauce. Both the corm and tubers areused in taro but the corm in macabo is used as animal feed and as planting material only. The tender leaves and flower and leaf buds of both aroids are used as a vegetable after steaming or cooking or as an ingredient of sauce, much like the “Kaloulou” of the West Indies. (Lyonga, 2016)

Peasant cultivation practices. The cropping practices involved in cocoyam production are inter-related with those of other crops with which cocoyams are iniercropped. All these are influenced by the ecological conditions and the eating patterns of producers. The f0110wing main cropping systems are the many practices that involve cocoyams:

Cocoyams as bi-annual inter-crop with vegetables. Macabo is the main crop that follows land clearing. It is planted in February/March when the rains start, with minimum or no soil tillage especially in the volcanic soils, using short hand hoes. Corn (Zcamays) and local vegetables (Amarantlzus spp., huckle berries. gourds etc.) are intercropped through the macabo.

Harvesting of tubers IS by ‘castratIon’. This means their extraction from the crom without pulling up the plant, leaving the immature tubers for harvest three to six months later. This continues for two to three years and avoids the problem of storage. Cocayams as an annual inter-cropped with vegetables.

Macabo or taro are the main crop but are planted on mounds or interspersed beds and are harvested in November/ December (after 9 to 10 months) as the soil and climatic condition cannot support growth during the dry season. The practice of burning crop residue and vegetative material which have been incorporated into beds (‘ankara) often precedes planting. It has been known to increase yields but is detrimental to the soil structure.

After harvest, the land is either left under fallow or planted to coffee by the men who ask their wives (food growers) to go, further a fieRi. Cocoyams as a catch crop to perennials. It is usual to plant cocoyams as a catch crop under young cash crop like cocoa and palms. This association has been found beneficial to young palms and cocoa; but ends when the tree crops form a canopy. (Lyonga, 2016)

One of the essential pre-harvest practices in cocoyam production is weed control. Weeds can compete with cocoyam for nutrients, water, and sunlight, which can affect the growth and development of the crop. Farmers in the Bova village can control weeds by hand weeding or using herbicides.

Another important pre-harvest practice is pest and disease control. Cocoyam is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, which can cause significant yield losses. Farmers can control pests and diseases by using pesticides and fungicides or by adopting integrated pest management practices.

Proper soil management is also critical in cocoyam production. Cocoyam requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Farmers in the Bova village can improve soil fertility by applying organic manure, such as animal manure or compost.

Finally, farmers in the Bova village can also ensure a successful cocoyam harvest by adopting good agronomic practices, such as timely planting, appropriate spacing, and regular irrigation.

In summary, pre-harvest practices are crucial in ensuring a successful cocoyam harvest in the Bova village. Weed control, pest and disease management, soil management, and good agronomic practices are all essential elements of a successful cocoyam production system.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the importance of cocoyam production to the farmers’ livelihood in the Bova village, little attention has been given to the effects of pre-harvest of cocoyam production on the farmers’ livelihood. There is a need to understand the factors that contribute to pre-harvest losses and their effects on the farmers’ livelihood. This will help to develop strategies to mitigate the negative effects and improve the farmers’ livelihood.

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

What are the effect of pre-harvest practice of cocoayam production on farmer livelihood in Bova?

1.3.2 Specific Research Question

1. What are the common pre-harvest practices and their impact on cocoayam production and the livelihood of farmers in the Bova Village?
2. What is the influence choice of the pre-harvest practice among cocoyam farmers in the Bova Village?
3. What are the negative effects of cocoyam production on farmers’ livelihood in the Bova Village?
4. What are the positive and positive effects of cocoyam production on farmers’ livelihood in the Bova Village?

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