Cassava cultivation in Cameroon is transforming agriculture. Discover top methods, challenges, and innovative solutions to boost your cassava yield and income.
Introduction to Cassava
Farming Cassava is more than just a food crop in Cameroon—it’s a lifeline. Known locally as “manioc,” cassava is grown across all regions of the country, feeding millions and serving as a major income source for rural farmers. As Cameroon strives for agricultural self-sufficiency, cassava cultivation plays a central role in boosting food security, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Cassava thrives in warm climates and well-drained soils. Cameroon’s tropical weather, with its distinct wet and dry seasons, provides ideal conditions for cassava farming.
Best Growing Conditions:
Temperature: 25°C to 29°C
Rainfall: 1000–1500 mm annually
Soil: Loamy or sandy-loam, with good aeration and minimal waterlogging
Proper soil testing helps farmers determine pH levels and fertility before planting, ensuring maximum productivity.
Selecting the Right Cassava Varieties
Choosing the right variety is key to success. Cameroon has several local and improved varieties developed for disease resistance, yield, and taste.
Popular Varieties:
TMS 92/0326 – High-yielding and mosaic-resistant
TMS 96/1414 – Ideal for gari and flour processing
Local Varieties – Preferred for taste but may have lower yields
Farmers often consult agricultural extension officers or research centers like IRAD for guidance
Land Preparation and Planting Techniques
Land must be cleared of weeds, plowed, and ridged to allow proper root development. Farmers can plant cassava using stem cuttings about 20–30 cm long.
Spacing: 1m x 1m for optimal growth
Depth: Plant cuttings at 45-degree angles or vertically
Timing: Best during early rains for moisture retention
Fertilizer and Soil Nutrition Management
Cassava is relatively hardy but still needs proper nutrients for high yields. Farmers can use compost, poultry manure, or NPK fertilizers based on soil tests.
Tips for Soil Nutrition:
Apply fertilizer 6 weeks after planting
Avoid over-fertilizing as it can affect root quality
Use crop rotation to maintain soil fertility
Weed and Pest Control Strategies
Weeds compete with cassava for nutrients and water. Pests like grasshoppers, whiteflies, and cassava mealybugs also pose threats.
Control Measures:
Manual weeding (3–4 times during early growth)
Use of herbicides in large-scale farms
Biopesticides and natural enemies for pest control
Disease Management in Cassava Farming
Diseases like cassava mosaic virus (CMV) and bacterial blight can destroy entire farms if unchecked.
Prevention Tips:
Use certified disease-free cuttings
Practice field sanitation and crop rotation
Remove infected plants early
Farmers are encouraged to attend workshops on disease identification and management techniques.
Water Management and Irrigation
While cassava is drought-tolerant, supplementary irrigation during dry spells increases yield.
Rainfed Farming: Sufficient in most parts of Cameroon
Drip Irrigation: Efficient for commercial farms
Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Cassava is ready for harvest between 8–14 months after planting. Delays reduce quality and increase spoilage risk.
Harvesting Tips:
Uproot manually or with machines
Store tubers in cool, dry conditions
Process within 48 hours to avoid deterioration
Value Addition and Processing
Processing cassava into gari, fufu, flour, and starch significantly boosts its market value. Value-added products have longer shelf life and higher demand locally and internationally.
Cameroon’s growing agro-industrial sector is opening up new processing and packaging opportunities.
Marketing and Distribution Channels
Cassava markets exist in both rural and urban areas. Middlemen often buy directly from farmers, but digital platforms and cooperatives now offer better prices.
Export opportunities exist for cassava flour, chips, and starch, especially within Central and West Africa.
Government Support and Policy Framework
The government supports cassava farming through:
Agricultural subsidies
Access to improved varieties
Rural training and extension services
Programs like PIAASI and ACEFA offer financial support and training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the best time to plant cassava in Cameroon?
The best time is at the onset of the rainy season, typically between March and May.
Q2: How long does cassava take to mature?Cassava matures between 8 to 14 months depending on the variety and conditions.
Q3: What diseases affect cassava most in Cameroon?
Cassava mosaic virus and bacterial blight are the most common.
Q4: Can cassava be grown organically?
Yes, with proper compost, mulching, and natural pest control, cassava can be grown organically.
Q5: How profitable is cassava farming in Cameroon?
It is highly profitable with proper farm management, processing, and access to markets.
Q6: Are there cassava cooperatives in Cameroon?
Yes, many farmer cooperatives exist to help members with inputs, training, and market access.
Conclusion
Cassava cultivation in Cameroon is more than farming, it’s a movement towards self-reliance, economic empowerment, and sustainable agriculture. With modern practices, innovation, and support, cassava can transform lives across the nation.
