ABSTRACT

Agronomic innovation is a regular technique that is widely applied in modern agricultural practices. This is the case in the Buea Municipality. The application of innovative techniques in agriculture produces diverse impacts on crop yields. The research examines the impacts of agronomic innovative techniques on crop yields. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the impacts of agronomic innovative techniques on crop yields in the Buea Municipality. The study used a survey design to collect and analyze the required data. Data collection was done using questionnaires, focused group discussion and from secondary sources like text books and scientific articles from the internet. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Chi square was used to test the hypothesis. The results showed that agronomic innovative techniques have significantly impacted crop yields in the Buea Municipality. Households in Buea have had different knowledge on the application of agricultural innovation. From field observation, it was seen that majority (60%) of the respondents have witnessed the application of agronomic innovative techniques while respondents who have not witnessed occupy a smaller proportion (40%). The main agronomic innovative techniques witnessed include: use of chemicals, machines, improved seedlings. Agronomic innovative techniques have resulted in a number of significant impacts on crop yields some of which include: Increase yields, improvement in the quality of yields, increase sales, improvement in living standards, employment and reduction in stress. Participants also proposed other techniques that can be adopted including drone use and artificial intelligence, precision agriculture and waste water management technology.

Key words: Agronomy, Innovation, Agriculture, Innovative Techniques

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

This chapter gives insight about the content of chapter one which includes; the background of the study, problem statement, research questions, objectives, hypothesis, scope and justification of the study and significance of the study and ends with chapter summary.

1.2 Background of the Study

Agriculture remains the largest sector of the economy in the world today especially in many developing countries, where poverty and food insecurity persist (Food and Agricultural Organisation, 2015). Due to the pivotal role of agriculture, the sector is viewed as a principal component of programs that seek to reduce poverty in these regions. Agronomic innovation and development is one of the most powerful tool to end the worlds extreme poverty(Fernando,2005). Efforts to reduce poverty and food insecurity include promoting agronomic innovation and technology in developing countries (Huang et al.,2002; Kebebe 2017).

Worlds rate of agricultural production and crop yields have slowed and this has raised fear that the world may not be able to grow enough food and commodities to ensure the future population. This slow down occurred not because of shortage of land or water but rather because of low demands as result, the growth in the worlds demand for agricultural products will be low at the rate of 2.2-1.5 and may even worsen in the less developing countries. The worlds agricultural production can grow in line with demand provided that the necessary national and international policies to promote agriculture are put in place countries (Huang et al.,2002; Kebebe 2017). These are the policies that adhere to promoting farming at large, medium and small-scale farming by way of making available the necessary farming techniques that will increase productivity, minimize the implications of traditional farming techniques which demanded more of man-power.

Agronomic innovations are often promoted as a package of technologies, which are released to farmers for adoption in order to improve the productivity of their farm enterprises(Fernando,2005). They are specifically designed to offer benefits to farmers through improvement of their soil fertility, conservation of soil nutrients, water and other natural resources, raising yields, improving pest management, decreases effects of climate change and aiding farm mechanization worldwide.

Agriculture is also crucial in economic growth: in 2014, it accounted for 1/3 of the global gross domestic product (GDP) but agricultural driven poverty reduction and food security worldwide are at risk .Adoption of agronomic innovations and technologies is essential in ensuring food security and poverty reduction, by potentially increasing the income of farming households as well as reducing the market price of staple foods (de Janvry & Sadoulet 2001).Since adoption of new agricultural technology is important to the realisation of agricultures full potential, study of the impact of adopting agronomic innovation and technology has remained central to both the academics and policymakers over the years.

In Africa especially Sub-Saharan Africa, the outlook for agriculture in these countries is in the context of several megatrends that shape the sector development(King,2022). These include; rapid population growth, urbanization amongst others. most of Sub-Saharan African countries are situated at the tropics where agriculture is most favorable due to tropical climate that favors the growth of plants although extreme weather conditions occur in some season and areas, it is generally a fertile ground for farming(King,2022).The lapses created by these extreme weather conditions can be corrected by many factors including modernization and innovation of farming techniques especially in areas around the Sahara, Namib and Kalahari deserts. Some of the challenges hindering the adoption of agricultural innovation include limited awareness and level of technology, small farm sizes and low level of education.

Cameroon is one of the countries in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa characterized by a good agricultural know-how which remains the back-bone of the Cameroon economy. Agriculture employs over 70% of the country’s work force which provide 42% of its GDP and 30% of its exports(Tossam,2012). Cameroon produces a variety of farm commodities both for export and for domestic consumption. The country harbors large, medium and small size plantations carrying out food and cash crop production to feed the local population and some for export. Cocoa and coffee are the dominantly grown in the South and Centre regions of the country, banana and rubber by Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC),and varied agricultural activities related to innovation. Cameroon is characterized by different types of agricultural systems such as the

subsistence, commercial, arable and livestock farming system.

A primary objective of adopting modern farming techniques today is to bring about change in the agricultural sector which has significant effect on the local population and markets that are being fed by the agricultural outputs.

In the years back, agriculture has been the only primary source of food, income to the population of the Buea Municipality. These advantages began to wear out as a result of increasing population and fall in farm yield due to changes in climate characteristics and human dimensions. To continue enjoying the farm produce and also to increase income through agriculture, it is wise to modernize, that is, bringing in new innovative technology with regards to agriculture. This new technology could tend to increase the output gotten from the farm. By introducing these new technologies, famers will not labour that much in tilling the soil, planting as well as harvesting crops because machines will be used in doing all these works. New farm tools will also be implemented so as to bring a change in the agricultural sector in Buea. These farm tools include machines such as tractors, harvester, Chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides).

All these will make it easier for farmers not to labour hard and also to have improved yield. Agricultural schools will also be opened to farmers on how to use these tools and how to manage their farms with little or no stress.

Also, the modernization and innovation of farming techniques has a great impact on both crops and farmers. The output of agricultural produce will be greater than what it was because of the introduction of new techniques. On the farmers’ path, it makes them to enjoy more of what they sowed and also undergo little stress. This is because they no longer work with their hands but use machines to do most of the things that were previously done with hands.

1.3. Problem Statement

Agronomic innovation presents a number of significant impacts on yield potentials of agricultural crops in the Buea Municipality. Agricultural innovation offers benefits to farmers through improvement of their soil fertility, conservation of soil nutrients, water and other natural resources, raising yields, improving pest management, decreases effects of climate change and aiding farm mechanization worldwide which improves the livelihoods and living standards of the inhabitants. However, agricultural innovation presents a number of adverse effects on the environment such as effects on climate change through the emission of carbon dioxide, deforestation, soil degradation and tillage erosion amongst others.

Due to this, the project therefore seeks to investigate the solutions that can be put in place to ameliorate these negative effects of agricultural innovation in the Buea Municipality.

1.4. Research Questions

In order to examine the impacts of agronomic innovation in crop yields in Buea, certain questions are taken into consideration:

1.4.1. Main Question

What are the impacts of agronomic innovation on yield potential of crops in the Buea Municipality?

1.4.2. Specific Questions

1.What are the main agronomic innovative techniques in the Buea Municipality?

2.How has these agronomic innovations enhanced crop yields in the Buea Municipality?

3.What other agronomic innovations can be adopted in the Buea Municipality?

1.5. Research Objectives

1.5.1. Main Objective

The main objective of this study is to examine the impacts of agronomic innovation on yield potential of crops in the Buea Municipality.

1.5.2 Specific objectives

1.To analyze the main agronomic innovative techniques in the Buea Municipality.

2.To evaluate how these agronomic innovations have enhanced crop yields in the Buea Municipality.

3.To suggest what other agronomic innovations can be adopted in the Buea Municipality.