In Cameroon's northern cotton belt, farmers are adopting sustainable agricultural practices to improve cotton yields and resilience to climate change. Akoura Sarki, a seed multiplier in Pitoa, has been growing cotton for over four decades and is part of a small group of selected farmers who produce first-generation certified seed for wider distribution to commercial cotton growers. Sarki's farm is one of many in the region that are using improved seeds and nature-based methods to enhance soil fertility and conserve water.
The Cameroon Cotton Development Authority (SODECOTON) oversees cotton production in the country, with around 160,000 farmers contributing to the annual production of approximately 250,721 tonnes of seed cotton and 103,156 tonnes of cotton fibre. Cotton farming is a family tradition in the region, with skills and land often passed down from parents to children. Sarki began growing cotton at 15 and has now cultivated the crop for over 40 years, making him a valuable contributor to the country's cotton industry.
Sarki and other farmers in the region have adopted the use of improved seeds, such as the R1 seed, which has shown to be more resilient and productive. Elizabeth Souaibou, another Pitoa farmer, has been using R1 seed for six years and has seen a significant increase in her yields. According to Djallo Mana, the zonal chief responsible for the Pomla seed bank, R1 seed is a certified seed produced from varieties developed through Cameroon's agricultural research system.
In addition to using improved seeds, farmers in the region are also adopting agroecological practices to protect soil, retain water, and make better use of organic matter. Haman Bello, a farmer from Gashiga Foulbe, grows the Q302 variety on 4.5 hectares and has seen improved yields due to the use of mature Faidherbia albida trees, which enrich the soil and provide favourable conditions for the crop. Bello has also adopted a contour layout for his farm, which slows runoff and allows water to soak into the soil.
The use of conservation methods, such as reducing tillage and leaving crop residue on the soil, is also being promoted in the cotton belt. These practices can reduce farmers' dependence on mineral fertiliser and improve soil quality. According to Boris Herman Talla, an agronomist, agroecology can help growers adapt to a changing climate and reduce their reliance on fertilisers.
Despite the gains in the field, farmers in the region still face challenges, including low producer prices that have not kept pace with the cost of inputs. Inputs are supplied on credit through producer organisations, and the cost is deducted when the cotton is sold. Researchers have noted that Cameroon's cotton varietal improvement programme has been successful, with several cotton types being exported to other African nations.
The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in Cameroon's cotton belt is expected to have long-term benefits for farmers and the environment. With the support of organisations like SODECOTON and the cotton producers' union (Confédération Nationale des Producteurs de Coton du Cameroun), farmers are able to access improved seeds, training, and markets, enabling them to improve their yields and livelihoods.
Key points
- Cameroon cotton farmers are adopting sustainable methods, including improved seeds and agroecological practices, to boost yields and resilience to climate change.
- The country's cotton industry is working to improve soil fertility, conserve water, and reduce dependence on mineral fertiliser.
- Despite challenges, including low producer prices, farmers are seeing improved yields and incomes through the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
