Fruit tree cropping: issues, challenges and roles in the development of Central Africa savannas.
Woin N., Essang T.
Author Affiliation: IRAD, BP 33, Maroua, Cameroon.
: 5-31
Abstract : Fruit farming is poorly developed in the Central Africa savannas. Fruit consumption per inhabitant is less than 19 kg/capita/year instead of 70 kg/capita/year recommended by FAO for a balanced diet. Fruit consumption is very low in the savanna ecosystems, where dominates an arid climate. Citrus fruits are particularly rare and poorly diversified in term of varieties. Those found on the markets come from expensive and sporadic supply insured mainly by high rainfall forest zones. However the climatic conditions of the savannas are not suitable to some diseases as well as to proliferation of some citrus virus vectors that compromise the citrus farming worldwide. The increase in fruit production is a priority in terms of food security in the savanna zones. The development of a fruit crops would enable agricultural diversification would provide a new source of income for farmers. Moreover, it would allow a food supply in vitamins for the local population. The first results, obtained from the Kismatari (near Garoua) experimental station, allow proposing citrus, guava and mango cultivars to dissemination.