article · African Journal of Agricultural Research
Cocoyam cultivation practices in Cameroon's Western Highlands and monomodal agro-ecological zones reveal critical operational constraints and input patterns. Across surveys of 225 Colocasia esculenta growers and 203 Xanthosoma sagittifolium growers, limited plot size emerged as the primary barrier restricting the uptake of improved farming methods and holding down crop productivity. Yields of both crops fluctuate according to plot age as well as the specific types of fertilisers and herbicides applied. Inorganic fertilisers represent the most common soil input, used by over half of the producers surveyed for each crop species. Commercial disposal differs regionally, ranging from boundary sales and local market trading to direct home consumption, whilst community-based initiative groups maintain very low participation across the surveyed areas. Total productivity across the evaluated operations reached 82 tonnes for Colocasia esculenta and 44 tonnes for Xanthosoma sagittifolium.
Cocoyam is an important food source and income generator, yet smallholder yields remain restricted. Understanding how plot size, chemical inputs, and marketing channels shape output helps agricultural development agencies and local policy makers design targeted interventions. Addressing these baseline constraints through improved farmer organisation and resource allocation is essential for strengthening regional food security and rural livelihoods.
The findings offer applied field intelligence for agricultural input suppliers, agrochemical distributors, and farmer development programmes. Evidence of high inorganic fertiliser uptake and fragmented post-harvest sales indicates ready demand for tailored soil fertility packages and coordinated aggregation schemes. Because this research is diagnostic rather than an evaluation of a proprietary product, practical application depends on commercial input distributors and agricultural organisations integrating these baseline field insights into existing extension and distribution services.
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This study assessed cocoyam production practices in two agro-ecological zones of Cameroon; the Western Highlands (West and Southwest) and the monomodal zone (Northwest). A total of 225 producers of Colocasia esculenta and 203 producers of Xanthosoma sagittifolium were surveyed using questionnaires. The study aimed to assess the impact of agricultural practices, seed origin and type, the effects of fertilizers, herbicides, and plot age on tuber yields, post-harvest tuber use, and the involvement of community-based initiatives. Results show that the main constraint faced by farmers is small plot size, which limits the adoption of good agricultural practices and leads to low yields. Yields of both crops varied according to fertilizer and/or herbicide type and plot age, with inorganic fertilizers being the most widely used (56.3% for C. esculenta and 60.2% for X. sagittifolium producers). Post-harvest, tubers were mainly sold at farm boundaries in the Southwest, in local markets in the West, and consumed domestically in the Northwest. Community-based initiatives showed very low involvement, raising concern. Total productivity was estimated at 82 tonnes for C. esculenta and 44 tonnes for X. sagittifolium. The study underscores the need for stronger farmer organization and support. Key words: Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott, farming practice, fertilization, seed preservation method, yield.
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DOI: 10.5897/ajar2026.17183
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