Impact of Rainfall Variability on Maize Production in the NDOP Plain, North West Region of Cameroon (1990-2015)

Authors: Paul Tume SJ* and Ngwa CA

DOI: 10.23880/jenr-16000265

Volume 6, Issue 1

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of rainfall patterns from 1990-2015 on maize production in the NDOP Plain of the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon since maize is a staple food and cash crop in the area. Data on rainfall and maize output were collected from 1990 to 2015 and represented in time series. The rainfall data were further analysed using Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), to establish critical periods of rainfall deficiencies. Results indicate that rainfall and maize production trends were increasing from 146.94 mm/month in 1990 to 220.03 mm/month in 2015 and ~0.28 tons/ha in 1990 to ~4.2 tons/ha in 2015 respectively. With uncertainties on the future of the rainfall pattern, the coefficient of variation was 22.03% (unreliable), and farmers should build resilience through agroecology, climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture and diversification of production systems.

Keywords: Cereals; Climate Change; Food Security; Vulnerability

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