Smallholder Sugarcane Farming in Cameroon: Farmers’ Preferred Traits, Constraints and Genetic Resources

Abstract

Background:The study aimed at assessing the current state of sugarcane production, farmers' perceived production constraints and preferred traits in the five agro-ecological zones in Cameroon. Methods: This study was conducted in five regions that represent the five agroecological zones of Cameroon. Primary data was obtained using key informants, semi-structured interviews (SSI), focus group discussions (FGD) and direct field observations during the implementation of a baseline survey. A total of 212 farmers were interviewed using a pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire which was produced in both the English and French languages to suit the English and French speaking respondents. Results: Findings from this study show that mixed cropping was identified as the predominant sugarcane farming system. The main production constraints were financial and marketing constraints as identified by 47.8% and 14.8 respectively of the respondent farmers. A limited number (16) of landraces was collected from the study zones. Respondent farmers prioritized early maturity and marketability of the cane (40.2%), sweetness of the cane (30.8%) and cultural and medicinal values (3.9%) as the top preferred traits of sugarcane. Conclusions: The findings from this study would serve as baseline information towards sugarcane research and development emphasizing the constraints and preferences of smallholder sugarcane growers in Cameroon. If all the products and bi-products of sugarcane could be maximized, high returns could be ensured and more emphasis on reducing constraints to the barest minimal would have been the priority of the agricultural sector.