Leaf Vegetable Cultivation in Cameroon: An Overview of the Situation in Njombe and Surrounding Areas

Over the past ten years, it has been noted that demand for leafy vegetables in coastal area of Cameroon is increasing, particularly district Njombe-Penja. Despite this growth production volumes, there are also more or less severe shortages at certain times year. The main causes behind variations vegetable Littoral zone not well known and/or recorded. In order to sort out different factors (vegetable varieties, planting period, use fertilisers and pesticides, soil, etc.) interact on zone, became necessary conduct a study reviewing state marketing activities locality Njombé its surroundings. This aims better identify distribution chains their vitality related markets supplied by Njombe area. methodological approach involved random sampling constitute population 100 individuals (farmers, traders, etc.). A survey questionnaire was developed administered target sample. results show 96% practising cropping uneducated women, aged between 20 64 years. individual areas cultivated mostly very small medium (between 64m2 870 m2). vast majority land rented (80%). most varieties are, importance: “Black nightshade” (100%), “African Eggplant” (84%), “green amaranth” (80%), “bush okra” “Hibiscus” (40%), “Water leaf” (32%). seeds used come mainly from local (60%). pesticides (doses application frequencies) mastered farmers. major constraints are: difficulty obtaining good quality (86%), fungal diseases attacks various pests. highlighted economic potential activity locality.