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Zac Tchoundjeu

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King's College London

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World Agroforestry Centre

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Forestry Research Institute Of Nigeria

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Papers by Zac Tchoundjeu

Analysis of genetic diversity in accessions of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill

African Journal of Biotechnology, Feb 2, 2006

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to assess genetic diversity and relationsh... more Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to assess genetic diversity and relationships among 15 accessions of Irvingia gabonensis collected from Cameroun, Gabon, and Nigeria. Twelve AFLP+3 primers produced 384 polymorphic fragments. Average genetic distance (AGD) between the 15 accessions was 58.7% (32-88%). AGD and range of genetic distance among accessions from Cameroun, Nigeria and Gabon were 62% (53-76%), 52% (32.3-84.8%) and 50% (45-53%), respectively, indicating more genetic diversity in Cameroun than Nigeria and Gabon. The unweighted pair-group method of the arithmetic average (UPGMA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCO) showed a clear distinction between the Gabon and Nigeria accessions into two separate clusters, with accessions from Cameroun overlapping them. Principal coordinate analysis (PCO) indicated a closer relationship between accessions from Cameroun and Gabon. In general the Cameroun germplasm appears to be a bridge between the genetically isolated Nigeria and Gabon accessions. This overlap of Gabon and Nigerian accessions by the accessions from Cameroun may be an indication that Cameroun is the center of diversity of I. gabonensis and also the primary source of original materials grown in the other countries. More collection in Cameroun is necessary to ensure the optimum collection and preservation of the existing genetic diversity in I. gabonensis.

Disclaimer for data use

Ethnobotanical and socio economic study of some medicinal plants used in cancer treatment in the Boyo division in highland region of Cameroon: Lannea kerstingii, Geniosporum rotundifolium, Entada abyssinica and Ocimum gratissimum

This dataset was moved to: https://doi.org/10.34725/DVN/OANZC4An ethnobotanical and socio-economi... more This dataset was moved to: https://doi.org/10.34725/DVN/OANZC4An ethnobotanical and socio-economic study of some four medicinal plants used in cancer treatment was carried out in the Boyo Division of the northwest region of Cameroon from the 1st of April to the 31st of September 2010. The main objective of the study was to assess the use and evaluate the importance of Lannea kerstingii, Geniosporum rotundifolium, Entada abyssinica and Ocimum gratissimum to different user groups in the Boyo Division. Two sets of questionnaires were structured and addressed to 30 traditional healers and 60 household heads. Data collected were analyzed using EXCEL 2007 and SPSS v. 12. Results show that 100% of respondents have some knowledge about O. gratissimum, while the least known medicinal species is L. kerstingii (known by 32.22% of respondents). The total percentages of those who know E. abyssinica and G. rotundifolium are 74.44% and 91.11% respectively. The main plant parts used for the shrubs ...

S. Nguendakumana, M. Feudjio & al., Dec.2011. Resources and land management Household survey in Efoulan council in the Sourthen cameroon.tab

SPSS.sav datafile, 299 variables, 104 households involved

PERCEPTIONPAYSANSNONGROUP.TAB

Data file for A. Degrande, Y. Yeptiep & al., Oct.2010. Performance des OR dans la diffusion des i... more

Diversité génétique du Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman au Cameroun

Bois Et Forets Des Tropiques, 2004

Une analyse comparee de la diversite genetique de quatre populations camerounaises de Prunus afri... more Une analyse comparee de la diversite genetique de quatre populations camerounaises de Prunus africana - a partir des marqueurs moleculaires Rapd, AfIp et microsatellites - a ete menee dans le laboratoire de genetique du Cirad-foret de Montpellier. Il ressort de cette etude que les trois marqueurs moleculaires permettent de regrouper les populations etudiees en deux groupes principaux qui correspondent a deux des massifs constitutifs de la dorsale camerounaise. Ce sont les marqueurs microsatellites qui montrent les indices de diversite les plus eleves. Ces microsatellites developpes sur le pecher (Prunus persica) ont ete adaptes a P. africana avec conservation du polymorphisme. Ces marqueurs apparaissent ainsi comme etant financiere-ment et techniquement les plus adequats pour les etudes moleculaires plus fines qui visent a definir des strategies efficaces de conservation de cette espece menacee d'extinction. (Resume d'auteur)

Institutional dynamics and landscape change: a case study of Southern Cameroon

Baka community members in Nomedjoh, one of the few indigenous forest peoples with a community for... more Baka community members in Nomedjoh, one of the few indigenous forest peoples with a community forest, ready for a trip into the forest. Photo credit: Samuel Nnah Ndobe Highlights  Institutions defined as rules and norms are important drivers of change in landscapes  Both formal and informal institutions driving changes in landscapes are dynamic and are influenced by different actors with varying interests  Evolution of forest legislation and the formulation of the manual of procedures governing community forests are clear examples of institutional drivers shaping the forest landscape in Cameroon  Despite evolving institutions governing land and trees in Cameroon, disputes over land and forest rights have grown rather than diminished, leading to changing land use patterns and in some cases increasing land degradation  Research can provide knowledge of organization and functioning of effective and efficient hybrid institutions built on interactions between customary and formal rules and norms governing the functioning of landscapes

Checklists for evaluating high value agricultural products projects: The experience of the pacific island developing countries

African Journal of Agricultural Research, Apr 4, 2011

This paper identifies and investigates high value agricultural products (HVAPs) related projects ... more This paper identifies and investigates high value agricultural products (HVAPs) related projects in the experiences of the Pacific islands developing countries (PIDCs). Based on analysis and evaluation of project reports, the paper identifies key factors and checklists which need to be evaluated in embarking on projects which affect the development of HVAPs related projects. The main elements of the proposed framework include external factors, level of integration of the value chain project to traditional agricultural system of the beneficiary country, market analysis, how holistic is the approach and linkages of the projects to other projects. The paper provokes thoughts for the development of a holistic framework to analyse HVAPs projects in the PIDC in particular and developing countries in general.

Building long-term relationships between producers and trader groups in the non- timber forest product sector in Cameroon]

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEEARCH, 2012

Emerging literature on agricultural marketing in developing countries recommend some form of part... more Emerging literature on agricultural marketing in developing countries recommend some form of partnership/strategic alliances between producers and traders in order to overcome weaknesses of market access orchestrated by a weak institutional environment, prominent of which are poor road infrastructures and inadequate market information systems. Conversely the literature fails to discuss what is necessary to initiate, build and sustain such partnerships. This paper attempts to fill this gap by analysing the case of producer groups and traders in the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) value chains in Cameroon as they attempt to build a sustainable partnership based on trust and commitment. Despite low levels of satisfaction of the outcome of the relationship and low levels of trust between the NTFP producers and traders, they were committed to continue the alliance. We conclude that their commitment to continue the partnership is not related to relationship satisfaction and trusts that were projected to emanate from the respect of mutually agreed upon requirements. Instead, it is based on other strategic reasons like reducing transaction costs that is common in uncoordinated transaction.

Factors affecting the adoption of agricultural innovation: the case of a Ricinodendron heudelotii kernel extraction machine in southern Cameroon

Agroforestry Systems, 2015

Agroforestry is now accepted as a sustainable way of improving existing cropping systems. As with... more Agroforestry is now accepted as a sustainable way of improving existing cropping systems. As with other agricultural innovations, the adoption of agroforestry practices depends on farmers' perceptions of the benefits that would arise from the use of these practices. Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill. Pierre ex Pax.) or njansang (in Bassa local language) is a tropical tree, the kernels of which are in high demand in Cameroon as a thickening ingredient. Njansang is suitable for integration in agroforestry systems in the area, but its expansion is constrained by difficulties in kernel extraction, which has been exclusively manual so far. This paper investigates the factors that determine producers' attitudes towards the introduction and use of a kernel extraction machine. Among the issues investigated were characterization of users, comparison of mechanical and manual extraction, users' appreciation of the machine and willingness to continue to use the machine. Using a structured questionnaire, 81 njansang producers from three categories were randomly selected from five villages in southern Cameroon. We further investigate how attributes of an innovation influence the adoption of the machine. Results from a principal component analysis and logistic regression suggest that the age and education of producers, annual income from njansang, the number of njansang trees exploited and the purchase price of the machine are important variables in determining its adoption. The use of the machine allows producers to spend less time on njansang kernel extraction, thereby increasing returns in labour and offering opportunities to increase the number of trees a household can exploit.

Rethinking Rights and Interests of Local Communities in REDD+ Designs: Lessons Learnt from Current Forest Tenure Systems in Cameroon

ISRN Forestry, 2013

It is increasingly becoming clear that reforms based on the claims of local forest communities re... more It is increasingly becoming clear that reforms based on the claims of local forest communities regarding the right to natural resources will be needed to adequately address issues of sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current institutional and policy frameworks of Cameroon and other SSA countries have bestowed exclusive land tenure rights to the State, while curtailing access of local farmers to forest and forest-based resources on which they depend for a living. It is therefore unlikely that successful forest conservation and implementation of REDD+ can be possible without recognition and enforcement of customary tenure. This paper aimed to sense smallholders' perceptions on rights and risks in the current forestry policy arena linked with the climate change debate in Cameroon. Using semistructured questionnaires and focus group discussions about 7 key informants and 66 community forest users were investigated about the current tenure systems and the risks of re...

An Examination of Forest Certification Status among Logging Companies in Cameroon

International Scholarly Research Notices, 2014

This paper assesses the level of interest, awareness, and adoption of ISO 14001 and Forest Stewar... more This paper assesses the level of interest, awareness, and adoption of ISO 14001 and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification schemes among logging companies in Cameroon. Eleven logging companies located in Douala in the Littoral Region of Cameroon were assessed through a structured interview using an administered questionnaire which was mostly analyzed qualitatively thereafter. The findings indicated that none of the companies was certified for ISO 14001; however 63.64% of them were already FSC-certified. Four companies (36.36%) were neither FSC- nor ISO 14001 EMS-certified. Among the factors found to influence the adoption rate was the level of awareness about ISO 14001 and FSC certification schemes. The main drivers for pursuing FSC certification were easy penetration into international markets, tax holiday benefits, and enhancement of corporate image of the logging companies through corporate social responsibility fulfillments. Poor domestic market for certified products wa...

Modern bioenergy from agricultural and forestry residues in Cameroon: Potential, challenges and the way forward

Energy Policy, 2013

Environmentally benign modern bioenergy is widely acknowledged as a potential substitute for foss... more Environmentally benign modern bioenergy is widely acknowledged as a potential substitute for fossil fuels to offset the human dependence on fossil fuels for energy. We have profiled Cameroon, a country where modern bioenergy remains largely untapped due to a lack of availability of biomass data and gaps in existing policies. This study assessed the biomass resource potential in Cameroon from sustainably extracted agricultural and forest residues. We estimated that environmentally benign residues amount to 1.11 million bone dry tons per year. This has the potential to yield 0.12–0.32 billion liters of ethanol annually to displace 18–48% of the national consumption of gasoline. Alternatively, the residues could provide 0.08–0.22 billion liters of biomass to Fischer Tropsch diesel annually to offset 17–45% of diesel fuel use. For the generation of bioelectricity, the residues could supply 0.76–2.02TWh, which is the equivalent of 15–38% of Cameroon's current electricity consumption. This could help spread electricity throughout the country, especially in farming communities where the residues are plentiful. The residues could, however, offset only 3% of the national consumption of traditional biomass (woodfuel and charcoal). Policy recommendations that promote the wider uptake of modern bioenergy applications from residues are provided.

Institutional dimensions of the developing REDD+ process in Cameroon

Climate Policy, 2014

The reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) initiative has emerged i... more The reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) initiative has emerged in recent years as a mechanism to simultaneously address climate change, biodiversity, and poverty reduction challenges at the margins of tropical forests. Congo Basin countries, including Cameroon, have embraced the opportunities that REDD+ provides, with great expectations. Yet, it needs to be investigated whether the enabling institutional environment, which is required for implementing REDD+ , is present. Understanding is still limited on how to build adequate and strong institutional relations that could shape the reforms towards the establishment of efficient emissions reductions schemes. Furthermore, uncertainty remains on the operational mechanisms of REDD+ , suggesting that, to catalyse effectiveness, there is a need to come up with a governance model nested in relevant policy frameworks. This study builds on a modified '4Is' framework-Institutions, Interests, Ideas and Information-to analyse REDD+ and explore stakeholders' perceptions on the local forest governance potential. A structural implementation model to optimize the effectiveness of REDD+ is developed. Findings suggest that governments need to review existing policies to take into account participation, local people rights, and information access as a way to stimulate actors' willingness to contribute to emissions reductions and carbon stock increases under REDD+ regimes. Policy relevance Currently, there is no agreed framework for REDD+ in Cameroon, despite the potential role its humid forests could have to mitigate climate change at national and global levels. Furthermore, there are no initiatives that have fully mapped the boundary institutions to be engaged in REDD+ processes at the landscape level, although there is high commitment of various stakeholders to influence policies towards the implementation of the mechanism itself. For example, forestry companies, local communities, and conservation institutions would like to get involved. Findings indicate that there is potential for a cross-sectoral change and provide guidance as to how the uncertainties and risks, which may undermine the effective participation of stakeholders in the REDD+ processes at local and national levels, might be tackled. The schematic model and analytical frameworks suggested should prove very important to bridge various discourses among diverse actors. The end result is anticipated to be a governance structure for CO 2 emissions reductions through changes in land-use practices.

Rural livelihoods: conservation, management and use of plant biodiversity in west and central Africa

Biodiversity, 2006

Forest loss and fragmentation over the past decades in the West and central Africa region is havi... more Forest loss and fragmentation over the past decades in the West and central Africa region is having a direct effect on the habitats of valuable plants, driving species isolation, reductions in species populations and in some cases, increasing extinction rates of potentially useful plants. Furthermore, some tropical rainforest plants exhibit hampered seed germination or seedling establishment through hampered natural regeneration in disturbed ecosystems. Nevertheless, these forests in West and central Africa remain important sites, habitats and sources of potentially useful plant diversity. Many tropical tree species and their products have been documented regarding the roles they play as food, medicine and other services they provide to local peoples. The exploitation, use and commercialisation of these tree products constitute an important activity to people living around forests and beyond within the region. For some of these species, existing markets have expanded within and outside their wide ecological range. As well, great potential exists for further development at the industrial level.Since 1998, the World Agroforestry Centre, Africa Humid Tropics, in partnership with several local and regional stakeholders in West and central Africa, have been implementing a Tree Domestication Programme aimed at diversifying smallholder livelihood options through the selection, multiplication, integration, management and marketing of indigenous trees/plants and their products, ensuring that they provide both livelihood and environmental services. As tree domestication itself depends on existing plant diversity, biodiversity at genetic, species and ecosystem levels have been important considerations in cultivar selection, farming systems diversification and contributing towards ecosystems resilience, respectively.This tree domestication programme is being implemented in Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and more recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The programme started with the prioritisation of a range of indigenous fruit and medicinal tree species at local community levels. Emphasis then moved to capacity-building: training, followup and information dissemination focussing on a range of low-tech and adaptable propagation, marketing, selection, cultivation and management techniques for local level stakeholders, and training, backstopping and dissemination, for a range of regional government and non-governmental partners, in order to enhance ownership and adoption of the process. The programme has contributed to the building of both natural assets of resource-poor farmers to increase their access to a diverse range of agroforestry trees and products, and human assets for perpetuating the knowledge and experience in the region. As well, mechanisms have been developed for increasing and diversifying household revenue through better marketing of indigenous agroforestry tree products, protecting biodiversity on-farm and recognizing the value in maintaining both intra and inter-specific diversity on farms. The programme has also developed multispecies, on-farm needs-based live gene banks as well as classical ones of regionally important high-value indigenous tree species in both Cameroon and Nigeria.As the programme develops in the region, increasing emphasis is being placed on building strategic partnerships in order to achieve greater and more far-reaching impact by increasing the potential contribution that diverse agroforestry trees make to household revenue, and environmental management at farm and landscape scales.

Enhancing Farmers Access to Quality Planting Materials Through Community-Based Seed and Seedling Systems: Experiences from the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Increasing the production and productivity in both crop and agroforestry sub-sectors is one of th... more Increasing the production and productivity in both crop and agroforestry sub-sectors is one of the measures taken to assure food security and livelihood enhancement. This improvement can only be realized if subsistence farmers have access to quality planting materials. The lack of good-quality planting material is also repeatedly identified as a major constraint to greater adoption of agroforestry innovations. The recognition of this fact has led to the development of national seed and seedling systems. However, the weak capacity of these programs, sluggish growth of the private sector and the nature of the demand of subsistent farmers obliged to seek for alternative models. This paper discusses results and experiences drawn from a communitybased seed and seedling production and dissemination system in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The system is built on the concept of Rural Resource Centre in which capacities of farmer are strengthened to multiply improved planting material of four food crops and five fruit tree species. The Rural Resource Centres are now sources of quality seeds and seedlings for farmers and institutional clients. The system has effectively improved the on-time dissemination, accessibility, affordability and availability of quality planting materials, which are obtained at affordable prices due to proximity and reduced transport and distribution costs. Income from selling improved planting material has become an incentive for Rural Resources Centres and ensures sustainability of the system. Availability of quality seeds has increased on-farm crop yields by 20-40 %, while demand for improved seedlings has surpassed supplies in participating communities. The successful dissemination of this approach requires much more than the transfer of knowledge and availability of improved germplasm; it involves supporting the capacities of the Rural Resource Centres, building partnerships with a range of stakeholders, increasing the involvement and interaction of government services, improving storage and marketing strategies and decreasing dependency on external resources. The main challenge of the future is how to make such a system sustainable. Furthermore, in addition to the challenge of projecting and meeting the quantitative demands of farmers and other stakeholders, issues of seed quality and genetic diversity still need to be addressed when designing and implementing effective seed supply strategies and policies.

Morphological traits of control-pollinated fruits in African plum (Dacryodes edulis (G. Don). Lam.) using multivariate statistical techniques

ABSTRACT

Multipurpose Trees in Landscape Mosaics: some lessons from a policy, livelihoods and conservation interface, in South East Cameroon

In our study, carried-out in a forest landscape of south eastern Cameroon, we use spatial analyse... more In our study, carried-out in a forest landscape of south eastern Cameroon, we use spatial analyses tools and socioeconomic techniques, to understand the complex process and needs of multipurpose trees management within an agricultural landscape, adjacent to an ecosystem of global value. We observe that, the spatial dispositions of multipurpose trees are not only unique for different species, but have strong implications for their conservation, their continued use and the indirect services that they provide. That, effective determination of investment priorities for tree products and support options for the decision-making structures charged with forest management require innovative and multiple techniques & tools, used in combination.

Vegetative propagation of the tropical hardwoods Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. and Lovoa trichilioides Harms

Conservation agriculture with trees in the West African Sahel–a review

He is currently working on establishing key directions for the agroforestry research and developm... more

Analysis of genetic diversity in accessions of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill

African Journal of Biotechnology, Feb 2, 2006

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to assess genetic diversity and relationsh... more Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to assess genetic diversity and relationships among 15 accessions of Irvingia gabonensis collected from Cameroun, Gabon, and Nigeria. Twelve AFLP+3 primers produced 384 polymorphic fragments. Average genetic distance (AGD) between the 15 accessions was 58.7% (32-88%). AGD and range of genetic distance among accessions from Cameroun, Nigeria and Gabon were 62% (53-76%), 52% (32.3-84.8%) and 50% (45-53%), respectively, indicating more genetic diversity in Cameroun than Nigeria and Gabon. The unweighted pair-group method of the arithmetic average (UPGMA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCO) showed a clear distinction between the Gabon and Nigeria accessions into two separate clusters, with accessions from Cameroun overlapping them. Principal coordinate analysis (PCO) indicated a closer relationship between accessions from Cameroun and Gabon. In general the Cameroun germplasm appears to be a bridge between the genetically isolated Nigeria and Gabon accessions. This overlap of Gabon and Nigerian accessions by the accessions from Cameroun may be an indication that Cameroun is the center of diversity of I. gabonensis and also the primary source of original materials grown in the other countries. More collection in Cameroun is necessary to ensure the optimum collection and preservation of the existing genetic diversity in I. gabonensis.

Disclaimer for data use

Ethnobotanical and socio economic study of some medicinal plants used in cancer treatment in the Boyo division in highland region of Cameroon: Lannea kerstingii, Geniosporum rotundifolium, Entada abyssinica and Ocimum gratissimum

This dataset was moved to: https://doi.org/10.34725/DVN/OANZC4An ethnobotanical and socio-economi... more This dataset was moved to: https://doi.org/10.34725/DVN/OANZC4An ethnobotanical and socio-economic study of some four medicinal plants used in cancer treatment was carried out in the Boyo Division of the northwest region of Cameroon from the 1st of April to the 31st of September 2010. The main objective of the study was to assess the use and evaluate the importance of Lannea kerstingii, Geniosporum rotundifolium, Entada abyssinica and Ocimum gratissimum to different user groups in the Boyo Division. Two sets of questionnaires were structured and addressed to 30 traditional healers and 60 household heads. Data collected were analyzed using EXCEL 2007 and SPSS v. 12. Results show that 100% of respondents have some knowledge about O. gratissimum, while the least known medicinal species is L. kerstingii (known by 32.22% of respondents). The total percentages of those who know E. abyssinica and G. rotundifolium are 74.44% and 91.11% respectively. The main plant parts used for the shrubs ...

S. Nguendakumana, M. Feudjio & al., Dec.2011. Resources and land management Household survey in Efoulan council in the Sourthen cameroon.tab

SPSS.sav datafile, 299 variables, 104 households involved

PERCEPTIONPAYSANSNONGROUP.TAB

Data file for A. Degrande, Y. Yeptiep & al., Oct.2010. Performance des OR dans la diffusion des i... more

Diversité génétique du Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman au Cameroun

Bois Et Forets Des Tropiques, 2004

Une analyse comparee de la diversite genetique de quatre populations camerounaises de Prunus afri... more Une analyse comparee de la diversite genetique de quatre populations camerounaises de Prunus africana - a partir des marqueurs moleculaires Rapd, AfIp et microsatellites - a ete menee dans le laboratoire de genetique du Cirad-foret de Montpellier. Il ressort de cette etude que les trois marqueurs moleculaires permettent de regrouper les populations etudiees en deux groupes principaux qui correspondent a deux des massifs constitutifs de la dorsale camerounaise. Ce sont les marqueurs microsatellites qui montrent les indices de diversite les plus eleves. Ces microsatellites developpes sur le pecher (Prunus persica) ont ete adaptes a P. africana avec conservation du polymorphisme. Ces marqueurs apparaissent ainsi comme etant financiere-ment et techniquement les plus adequats pour les etudes moleculaires plus fines qui visent a definir des strategies efficaces de conservation de cette espece menacee d'extinction. (Resume d'auteur)

Institutional dynamics and landscape change: a case study of Southern Cameroon

Baka community members in Nomedjoh, one of the few indigenous forest peoples with a community for... more Baka community members in Nomedjoh, one of the few indigenous forest peoples with a community forest, ready for a trip into the forest. Photo credit: Samuel Nnah Ndobe Highlights  Institutions defined as rules and norms are important drivers of change in landscapes  Both formal and informal institutions driving changes in landscapes are dynamic and are influenced by different actors with varying interests  Evolution of forest legislation and the formulation of the manual of procedures governing community forests are clear examples of institutional drivers shaping the forest landscape in Cameroon  Despite evolving institutions governing land and trees in Cameroon, disputes over land and forest rights have grown rather than diminished, leading to changing land use patterns and in some cases increasing land degradation  Research can provide knowledge of organization and functioning of effective and efficient hybrid institutions built on interactions between customary and formal rules and norms governing the functioning of landscapes

Checklists for evaluating high value agricultural products projects: The experience of the pacific island developing countries

African Journal of Agricultural Research, Apr 4, 2011

This paper identifies and investigates high value agricultural products (HVAPs) related projects ... more This paper identifies and investigates high value agricultural products (HVAPs) related projects in the experiences of the Pacific islands developing countries (PIDCs). Based on analysis and evaluation of project reports, the paper identifies key factors and checklists which need to be evaluated in embarking on projects which affect the development of HVAPs related projects. The main elements of the proposed framework include external factors, level of integration of the value chain project to traditional agricultural system of the beneficiary country, market analysis, how holistic is the approach and linkages of the projects to other projects. The paper provokes thoughts for the development of a holistic framework to analyse HVAPs projects in the PIDC in particular and developing countries in general.

Building long-term relationships between producers and trader groups in the non- timber forest product sector in Cameroon]

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEEARCH, 2012

Emerging literature on agricultural marketing in developing countries recommend some form of part... more Emerging literature on agricultural marketing in developing countries recommend some form of partnership/strategic alliances between producers and traders in order to overcome weaknesses of market access orchestrated by a weak institutional environment, prominent of which are poor road infrastructures and inadequate market information systems. Conversely the literature fails to discuss what is necessary to initiate, build and sustain such partnerships. This paper attempts to fill this gap by analysing the case of producer groups and traders in the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) value chains in Cameroon as they attempt to build a sustainable partnership based on trust and commitment. Despite low levels of satisfaction of the outcome of the relationship and low levels of trust between the NTFP producers and traders, they were committed to continue the alliance. We conclude that their commitment to continue the partnership is not related to relationship satisfaction and trusts that were projected to emanate from the respect of mutually agreed upon requirements. Instead, it is based on other strategic reasons like reducing transaction costs that is common in uncoordinated transaction.

Factors affecting the adoption of agricultural innovation: the case of a Ricinodendron heudelotii kernel extraction machine in southern Cameroon

Agroforestry Systems, 2015

Agroforestry is now accepted as a sustainable way of improving existing cropping systems. As with... more Agroforestry is now accepted as a sustainable way of improving existing cropping systems. As with other agricultural innovations, the adoption of agroforestry practices depends on farmers' perceptions of the benefits that would arise from the use of these practices. Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill. Pierre ex Pax.) or njansang (in Bassa local language) is a tropical tree, the kernels of which are in high demand in Cameroon as a thickening ingredient. Njansang is suitable for integration in agroforestry systems in the area, but its expansion is constrained by difficulties in kernel extraction, which has been exclusively manual so far. This paper investigates the factors that determine producers' attitudes towards the introduction and use of a kernel extraction machine. Among the issues investigated were characterization of users, comparison of mechanical and manual extraction, users' appreciation of the machine and willingness to continue to use the machine. Using a structured questionnaire, 81 njansang producers from three categories were randomly selected from five villages in southern Cameroon. We further investigate how attributes of an innovation influence the adoption of the machine. Results from a principal component analysis and logistic regression suggest that the age and education of producers, annual income from njansang, the number of njansang trees exploited and the purchase price of the machine are important variables in determining its adoption. The use of the machine allows producers to spend less time on njansang kernel extraction, thereby increasing returns in labour and offering opportunities to increase the number of trees a household can exploit.

Rethinking Rights and Interests of Local Communities in REDD+ Designs: Lessons Learnt from Current Forest Tenure Systems in Cameroon

ISRN Forestry, 2013

It is increasingly becoming clear that reforms based on the claims of local forest communities re... more It is increasingly becoming clear that reforms based on the claims of local forest communities regarding the right to natural resources will be needed to adequately address issues of sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current institutional and policy frameworks of Cameroon and other SSA countries have bestowed exclusive land tenure rights to the State, while curtailing access of local farmers to forest and forest-based resources on which they depend for a living. It is therefore unlikely that successful forest conservation and implementation of REDD+ can be possible without recognition and enforcement of customary tenure. This paper aimed to sense smallholders' perceptions on rights and risks in the current forestry policy arena linked with the climate change debate in Cameroon. Using semistructured questionnaires and focus group discussions about 7 key informants and 66 community forest users were investigated about the current tenure systems and the risks of re...

An Examination of Forest Certification Status among Logging Companies in Cameroon

International Scholarly Research Notices, 2014

This paper assesses the level of interest, awareness, and adoption of ISO 14001 and Forest Stewar... more This paper assesses the level of interest, awareness, and adoption of ISO 14001 and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification schemes among logging companies in Cameroon. Eleven logging companies located in Douala in the Littoral Region of Cameroon were assessed through a structured interview using an administered questionnaire which was mostly analyzed qualitatively thereafter. The findings indicated that none of the companies was certified for ISO 14001; however 63.64% of them were already FSC-certified. Four companies (36.36%) were neither FSC- nor ISO 14001 EMS-certified. Among the factors found to influence the adoption rate was the level of awareness about ISO 14001 and FSC certification schemes. The main drivers for pursuing FSC certification were easy penetration into international markets, tax holiday benefits, and enhancement of corporate image of the logging companies through corporate social responsibility fulfillments. Poor domestic market for certified products wa...

Modern bioenergy from agricultural and forestry residues in Cameroon: Potential, challenges and the way forward

Energy Policy, 2013

Environmentally benign modern bioenergy is widely acknowledged as a potential substitute for foss... more Environmentally benign modern bioenergy is widely acknowledged as a potential substitute for fossil fuels to offset the human dependence on fossil fuels for energy. We have profiled Cameroon, a country where modern bioenergy remains largely untapped due to a lack of availability of biomass data and gaps in existing policies. This study assessed the biomass resource potential in Cameroon from sustainably extracted agricultural and forest residues. We estimated that environmentally benign residues amount to 1.11 million bone dry tons per year. This has the potential to yield 0.12–0.32 billion liters of ethanol annually to displace 18–48% of the national consumption of gasoline. Alternatively, the residues could provide 0.08–0.22 billion liters of biomass to Fischer Tropsch diesel annually to offset 17–45% of diesel fuel use. For the generation of bioelectricity, the residues could supply 0.76–2.02TWh, which is the equivalent of 15–38% of Cameroon's current electricity consumption. This could help spread electricity throughout the country, especially in farming communities where the residues are plentiful. The residues could, however, offset only 3% of the national consumption of traditional biomass (woodfuel and charcoal). Policy recommendations that promote the wider uptake of modern bioenergy applications from residues are provided.

Institutional dimensions of the developing REDD+ process in Cameroon

Climate Policy, 2014

The reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) initiative has emerged i... more The reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) initiative has emerged in recent years as a mechanism to simultaneously address climate change, biodiversity, and poverty reduction challenges at the margins of tropical forests. Congo Basin countries, including Cameroon, have embraced the opportunities that REDD+ provides, with great expectations. Yet, it needs to be investigated whether the enabling institutional environment, which is required for implementing REDD+ , is present. Understanding is still limited on how to build adequate and strong institutional relations that could shape the reforms towards the establishment of efficient emissions reductions schemes. Furthermore, uncertainty remains on the operational mechanisms of REDD+ , suggesting that, to catalyse effectiveness, there is a need to come up with a governance model nested in relevant policy frameworks. This study builds on a modified '4Is' framework-Institutions, Interests, Ideas and Information-to analyse REDD+ and explore stakeholders' perceptions on the local forest governance potential. A structural implementation model to optimize the effectiveness of REDD+ is developed. Findings suggest that governments need to review existing policies to take into account participation, local people rights, and information access as a way to stimulate actors' willingness to contribute to emissions reductions and carbon stock increases under REDD+ regimes. Policy relevance Currently, there is no agreed framework for REDD+ in Cameroon, despite the potential role its humid forests could have to mitigate climate change at national and global levels. Furthermore, there are no initiatives that have fully mapped the boundary institutions to be engaged in REDD+ processes at the landscape level, although there is high commitment of various stakeholders to influence policies towards the implementation of the mechanism itself. For example, forestry companies, local communities, and conservation institutions would like to get involved. Findings indicate that there is potential for a cross-sectoral change and provide guidance as to how the uncertainties and risks, which may undermine the effective participation of stakeholders in the REDD+ processes at local and national levels, might be tackled. The schematic model and analytical frameworks suggested should prove very important to bridge various discourses among diverse actors. The end result is anticipated to be a governance structure for CO 2 emissions reductions through changes in land-use practices.

Rural livelihoods: conservation, management and use of plant biodiversity in west and central Africa

Biodiversity, 2006

Forest loss and fragmentation over the past decades in the West and central Africa region is havi... more Forest loss and fragmentation over the past decades in the West and central Africa region is having a direct effect on the habitats of valuable plants, driving species isolation, reductions in species populations and in some cases, increasing extinction rates of potentially useful plants. Furthermore, some tropical rainforest plants exhibit hampered seed germination or seedling establishment through hampered natural regeneration in disturbed ecosystems. Nevertheless, these forests in West and central Africa remain important sites, habitats and sources of potentially useful plant diversity. Many tropical tree species and their products have been documented regarding the roles they play as food, medicine and other services they provide to local peoples. The exploitation, use and commercialisation of these tree products constitute an important activity to people living around forests and beyond within the region. For some of these species, existing markets have expanded within and outside their wide ecological range. As well, great potential exists for further development at the industrial level.Since 1998, the World Agroforestry Centre, Africa Humid Tropics, in partnership with several local and regional stakeholders in West and central Africa, have been implementing a Tree Domestication Programme aimed at diversifying smallholder livelihood options through the selection, multiplication, integration, management and marketing of indigenous trees/plants and their products, ensuring that they provide both livelihood and environmental services. As tree domestication itself depends on existing plant diversity, biodiversity at genetic, species and ecosystem levels have been important considerations in cultivar selection, farming systems diversification and contributing towards ecosystems resilience, respectively.This tree domestication programme is being implemented in Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and more recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The programme started with the prioritisation of a range of indigenous fruit and medicinal tree species at local community levels. Emphasis then moved to capacity-building: training, followup and information dissemination focussing on a range of low-tech and adaptable propagation, marketing, selection, cultivation and management techniques for local level stakeholders, and training, backstopping and dissemination, for a range of regional government and non-governmental partners, in order to enhance ownership and adoption of the process. The programme has contributed to the building of both natural assets of resource-poor farmers to increase their access to a diverse range of agroforestry trees and products, and human assets for perpetuating the knowledge and experience in the region. As well, mechanisms have been developed for increasing and diversifying household revenue through better marketing of indigenous agroforestry tree products, protecting biodiversity on-farm and recognizing the value in maintaining both intra and inter-specific diversity on farms. The programme has also developed multispecies, on-farm needs-based live gene banks as well as classical ones of regionally important high-value indigenous tree species in both Cameroon and Nigeria.As the programme develops in the region, increasing emphasis is being placed on building strategic partnerships in order to achieve greater and more far-reaching impact by increasing the potential contribution that diverse agroforestry trees make to household revenue, and environmental management at farm and landscape scales.

Enhancing Farmers Access to Quality Planting Materials Through Community-Based Seed and Seedling Systems: Experiences from the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Increasing the production and productivity in both crop and agroforestry sub-sectors is one of th... more Increasing the production and productivity in both crop and agroforestry sub-sectors is one of the measures taken to assure food security and livelihood enhancement. This improvement can only be realized if subsistence farmers have access to quality planting materials. The lack of good-quality planting material is also repeatedly identified as a major constraint to greater adoption of agroforestry innovations. The recognition of this fact has led to the development of national seed and seedling systems. However, the weak capacity of these programs, sluggish growth of the private sector and the nature of the demand of subsistent farmers obliged to seek for alternative models. This paper discusses results and experiences drawn from a communitybased seed and seedling production and dissemination system in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The system is built on the concept of Rural Resource Centre in which capacities of farmer are strengthened to multiply improved planting material of four food crops and five fruit tree species. The Rural Resource Centres are now sources of quality seeds and seedlings for farmers and institutional clients. The system has effectively improved the on-time dissemination, accessibility, affordability and availability of quality planting materials, which are obtained at affordable prices due to proximity and reduced transport and distribution costs. Income from selling improved planting material has become an incentive for Rural Resources Centres and ensures sustainability of the system. Availability of quality seeds has increased on-farm crop yields by 20-40 %, while demand for improved seedlings has surpassed supplies in participating communities. The successful dissemination of this approach requires much more than the transfer of knowledge and availability of improved germplasm; it involves supporting the capacities of the Rural Resource Centres, building partnerships with a range of stakeholders, increasing the involvement and interaction of government services, improving storage and marketing strategies and decreasing dependency on external resources. The main challenge of the future is how to make such a system sustainable. Furthermore, in addition to the challenge of projecting and meeting the quantitative demands of farmers and other stakeholders, issues of seed quality and genetic diversity still need to be addressed when designing and implementing effective seed supply strategies and policies.

Morphological traits of control-pollinated fruits in African plum (Dacryodes edulis (G. Don). Lam.) using multivariate statistical techniques

ABSTRACT

Multipurpose Trees in Landscape Mosaics: some lessons from a policy, livelihoods and conservation interface, in South East Cameroon

In our study, carried-out in a forest landscape of south eastern Cameroon, we use spatial analyse... more In our study, carried-out in a forest landscape of south eastern Cameroon, we use spatial analyses tools and socioeconomic techniques, to understand the complex process and needs of multipurpose trees management within an agricultural landscape, adjacent to an ecosystem of global value. We observe that, the spatial dispositions of multipurpose trees are not only unique for different species, but have strong implications for their conservation, their continued use and the indirect services that they provide. That, effective determination of investment priorities for tree products and support options for the decision-making structures charged with forest management require innovative and multiple techniques & tools, used in combination.

Vegetative propagation of the tropical hardwoods Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. and Lovoa trichilioides Harms

Conservation agriculture with trees in the West African Sahel–a review

He is currently working on establishing key directions for the agroforestry research and developm... more