ISHS Acta Horticulturae 380: Symposium on Tropical Root Crops in a Developping Economy
CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMPROVED CASSAVA AND SWEET POTATO VARIETIES TO THE SOCIOECONOMIC CHANGES IN SOME RURAL AREAS OF CAMEROON |
| Author: | J. Ambe-Tumanteh |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1994.380.6 |
| Abstract:
Root and tuber crops are a major staple and source of energy for more than 70% of Cameroonians. They occupy 16% of the total land area cultivated to food crops. They provide about 30% of the incomes of the growers. Cassava and sweet potato are grown in all the agroecologies of Cameroon. Constraints to their production have been identified by a research program. By 1986, research had selected varieties that are tolerant to prevalent pests and diseases, higher yielding than local cultivars, adapted to the agroecologies, and acceptable to consumers. Basic seed materials have been multiplied at the research station and distributed to farmers. Improved cassava and sweet potato varieties constitute 65% and 85% respectively of cultivated land to these crops, the remainder being local cultivars. Total production increased by 70% and 91%, sales by 68% and 83% for cassava and sweet potato, respectively. Consumers showed a high taste acceptance for local cultivars by 85% and 97% than for improved varieties in cassava and sweet potato, respectively. Cassava and sweet potato growers consume less than 20% of the total produce and sold more than 80%. These crops are, therefore, income-generating in the rural economies. Proceeds from the sale of produce are used in purchasing personal items, acquiring household property and livestock, building houses, paying children's school fees, and meeting other sociocultural obligations. Cassava and sweet potato are cash crops in the rural economies. Their production provides jobs to the unemployed. The living standards of the people who constitute more than 80% of the productive population, will be highly improved if the postharvest technology of these crops is improved through integrated research. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
