CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0  Introduction

 This work is centered on the perception of the impact of climate variability on crop yields in the agricultural system in the Babadjou sub-division, west region of Cameroon.  It further present adaptation strategies used by farmers by bringing suggestions in terms of adaptation and mitigation strategies in other to cope the effect of climate variability in the agricultural system of Babadjou sub-division. The chapter portrays a research problem , research questions and hypothesis of the study .Some other aspect on which interest  is  develop  are the justification, significance, the scope , delimitation of the study and also human and physical aspect   of the area. 

1.1  Background of the research study

 Climate variability refers to the short terme fluctuations in climate patterns and sometimes climate parameters like  temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events, which can significantly impact agricultural productivity (Fonteh et al., 2022).Understanding these changes is crucial for farmers, policymakers, and researchers. (IPCC, 2021). Human activities have been strongly accused for being responsible for climate oscillations. Such activities include for instance man’s consistent increasing use of fossil fuels, deforestation and intensification of agricultural activities (IPCC, 2014; Innocent et al., 2016). Climate variability occurs due to natural and sometimes periodic changes in the circulation of the air and ocean, volcanic eruptions, and other factors (Wirngo & Suiven, 2023). However, human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have amplified the effects of climate variability, resulting in more frequent and severe weather events. For example, the average daily maximum temperature in July, averaged over 30 years from 1988 through 2017, in Boulder, Colorado was 87.7° C (30.9° C). However, in some years, the month of July has been warmer than the average. In other years, the month of July is cooler than the average(IPCC, 2014).

 Agricultural productivity worldwide,  has been expose to climate variability with its impact on crop yields as a result of consequences(IPCC, 2014). Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heat waves, have posed a threat to food security in various regions of the world.  According to Smith et al., (2014).  Asia is consider as a largest part of the world who practice agriculture. Countries  such as India, China, and Vietnam are highly vulnerable to climate variability due to it dense population depending largely on agricultural practices for their livelihood (Ovalle-Rivera et al., 2015) making it relevant to understand the impact of changing climate patterns on crop yields.Studies have shown that extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts and heavy rainfall, have led to significant reductions in crop yields in these areas affecting not only the quality but also the quantity of crop produced leading to food insecurity for the population by causing economic loses for farmers (FAO., 2016).

In America, climate variability also has a significant impact on crop yields,  in regions like the Midwest and the Great Plains . These areas mostly experience the increase frequency of extreme weather event  such as hurricanes and tornadoes which has further led to the disruption of agricultural activities as well as crop failure in cuntries such as Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas (Jones et al., 2016). These environmental disruptions have not only impacted the lifestyle of farmers but also the economic cycle of the country which plays a very important role in boosting the GDP of the United States .

Europe as a whole is not spared from the effects of climate variability. Countries such as France, Spain and Germany have been relatively exposed to climatic fluctuations linked to variation of climate patterns such as extreme heat waves and excessive rains affecting the quality and quantity of agricultural production ( Brown et al.,2018). Given these climatic disturbances, it is urgent to develop sustainable agricultural methods to cope with the harsh climatic conditions which affect agricultural production in the region

Climate variability in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole has for years affected agricultural production where most of the population depends mainly on seasonal rains to survive (Jude & Andin, 2018), the region is much more exposed to extreme weather events such as drought, and floods which are becoming much more frequent and intense (Lobell et al., 2008) . Studies were carried in this region  in the context of the impact of climate variability on agricultural products. A study by (Lobell et al. 2008) in this region made it possible to realize that corn production is much more sensitive and exposed to temperature change with even small deviations from optimal growing conditions leading to significant reductions in crop yields. Another study by Schlenker and Lobell (2010) estimated that climate change could reduce maize yields in Africa by up to 22% by the end of the century. Countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria have been particularly affected by climate variability (Dasgupta et al., 2017). In Ethiopia, extreme drought has led to a fall in agricultural production, causing food insecurity, increasing poverty and poor nutrition in the country (Dasgupta et al., 2017).

In Kenya, erratic rainfall has relatively led to an occurrence of food insecurity particularly in the arid and semi-arid region of the country (Lobell et al., 2015). In Nigeria, flooding caused by heavy rainfall has destroyed crops and infrastructure, leading to significant economic losses for farmers and the government (Lobell et al. 2008). The impact of climate variability on crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention from policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners (FAO.2016). However, mitigation strategies and adaptive method are required to face  climatic events by adopting  climate-smart agricultural practices, the development of drought-resistant crop varieties, and the implementation of early warning systems for extreme weather events. By understanding the factors that contribute to these changes in climate patterns and implementing appropriate adaptation strategies, countries in sub-Saharan Africa can build resilience to the effects of climate change and safeguard their agricultural productivity for future generations(Lobell et al., 2015).

In Cameroon,  studies shows that about 80% of the population living in rural areas  depend  on agricultural activities(Nkengla-Asi, &Ngwene, 2019). The GDP of the country in agricultural sector is estimated at 35% and  some others related activities close to 70% that constitute the national labor force is employed in agriculture(Mairomi, &Tume, 2023).However, the economy of Cameroon is therefore predominantly agrarian and agriculture remain the epicenter of sustainable economic development in the country (Molua ,E&Lambi. 2007).  The northern part of Cameroon experience a low rain fall in 1997 whish directly affected crop yields, cause livestock deaths, leading to hunger and triggering the need for food aid from the world food programs (W F P) . According to Molua&Lambi (2007) agriculture in Cameroon is highlylimited  by  amount of moisture and seasonality and some other factors such as soil and relief have a relative Impact on types of agriculture practiced and crops cultivated . A study conducted by (Nkengla et al., 2018)  found that  north West Region of Cameroon known  for his potential production of crops such as maize, beans, and potatoes has been particularly affected by climate variability mostly course by high  temperature and extreme precipitation leading to fluctuations in yields and food .

West region of Cameroon have also been expose to climate variability with farmers facing challenges due to the unpredictable weather patterns, which have led to fluctuations in crop yields(Tume, et al., 2020). It’s also experience and  increased pest and disease pressure ,Rising temperatures  that relatively affect the growth and development of crops, leading to reduced yields (Smith et al., 2015).  Furthermore, extreme weather event such as storms, hurricanes, and heat waves, have become more frequent in the West region due to climate variability destroying crops and reduced yields . All these  extreme weather events reported by farmers  significantly affect their livelihoods and the agricultural sector as a whole (Brown et al., 2017).

The Babadjou Sub-Division, located in the West Region of Cameroon, is a predominantly agricultural area, with a large portion of the population directly dependent on farming for their livelihood. The region faces significant challenges from climate variability, with increasing trends in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns observed in recent decades. (Brown A., et al 2017). This climate variability significantly impacts agricultural productivity, posing a threat to food security and livelihoods. Understanding farmers’ perception of these impacts and their adaptation strategies is crucial for developing effective interventions to enhance resilience and sustainability in the region.Farmers perceptions play a critical role in how they adapt to climate variability. Studies show that individuals beliefs and experiences can shape their responses to environmental changes. By investigating these perceptions, researchers can identify gaps in knowledge and areas where education and resources are needed. Understanding local perceptions also helps in designing interventions that are culturally relevant and more likely to be accepted by the farming community.

The findings from studies on farmers’ perceptions can inform educational programs aimed at enhancing adaptive capacity among farmers. Integrating this knowledge into local curricula can help students understand the complexities of climate change and its effects on agriculture. It also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and participatory learning approaches, where students collaborate with farmers to address real-world challenges.

1.2 Statement of research problem.

The Babadjou Sub-Division in the West Region of Cameroon is a predominantly agricultural area, with a large portion of the population directly dependent on farming for their livelihood. Farmers in Babadjou have observed relative changes in weather patterns over the years facing climatic issues such as unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts and erratic temperatures causing bad crop yields and income losses for farmers. These perceptions seem to be mixed because of their various opinion of climate variability impact on crop yields. Farmers perception seems to be attach by their live experiences, observations in the field and they have noted that changing weather patterns have made it harmful to predict the  onset of the rainy season leading to poor crop establishment and growth. Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods and drought seems to be frequent causing crop damage and yield loss.

Babadjou sub-division seems to be on the effect of climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind patterns and extreme weather events but perceived specific climatic factors such as precipitation and temperature have the most significant effect on agricultural productivity. Rising in term of temperature due to the effect of climate variability can have a direct Impact on development of crop which can lead heat stress in crops, reduce yield quality. In addition to this, increase in temperature can also lead to changes in pest and disease dynamics, further impacting productivity. However, precipitation is also consider as a specific factor having significant effects on agricultural productivity in Babadjou. Shifting in timing, changes in precipitation  can have harsh effects on water availability and crop growth.

Considering the fact that Babadjou sub-division seems to be expose to the effect of climate variability on crop yields,  farmers had to  put in place some adapt traditional  strategies to reduce the effect of climate variability on crop yields. One of the traditional adapt strategies which farmers  use is  few adapted crop such as maize , beans and cassava  in response to the changing climate in order to ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods. However, with the increasing unpredictability of the climate, farmers have begun to plant a wider variety of crops in order to mitigate the risks associated with climate variability. By diversifying their crops, farmers are able to spread their risk and ensure a more stable income even in the face of adverse weather conditions.  Furthermore,  farmers seems to adopted conservation agriculture, which involves minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining permanent soil cover, and rotating crops. These practices help to improve soil health, increase water retention, and reduce erosion, all of which are important considerations in the face of climate variability.

This study seeks to address this pedagogic gaps by investigating the perceptions of farmers in Babadjou regarding climate variability and its impact on crop yields, while also exploring the pedagogical implications of these perceptions for developing relevant educational programs that promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.

1.3 Research Questions

This study is aimed at answering the following research questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

How do farmers in the Babadjou Sub-Division perceive the impact of climate variability on crop yields?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions:

1- what are the perception of farmers in the Babadjou sub-division to climatic variability and crop yields?

2- What climatic Hazards  factors are perceived to have the most significant effects on agriculture productivity in Babadjou ?

3- How do farmers adapt  their agricultural practices in response to perceived climate variability.?

4-What is the pedagogic relevance of  the relationship between climate variability and crop yields ?

1.4 Research objective

The study is aimed at accomplishing the following objectives

1.4.1 Main Research Objective

To assess the perception and impact of climate variability on crop yields in the agricultural system of the Babadjou Sub-Division, West Region, Cameroon.

1.4.2 Specific Research Objectives:

1- To assess perception of farmers in the Babadjou sub-division to climatic variability and crop yields?

2- To identify climatic Hazards that are perceived to affect agriculture productivity .

3- To evaluate adaptation strategies employed by farmers in response to perceived changes  in climate Babadjou.

4. To examine the pedagogic relevance of the relationship between climate variability and crop yields .