Differentiated Adaptation Dynamics to Climate Change in the Cameroonian Sahel: Local Perceptions and Agricultural Resilience in a Context of Multidimensional Vulnerability

Claudine Vounba, Ijang Precillia Ngome Tata, Rachid Harbouze, Elisabeth Yaboki, Vivien Nenwala Pa Ai, Valentin Yvan Emmanuel Mvondo, Dairou Saifoullah, Alain Pahimi Loabe, Sobda Gonne and Didier Begoude
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Claudine Vounba: Maroua Agricultural Research Center
Ijang Precillia Ngome Tata: Directorate General of the Agricultural Research Institute for Development
Rachid Harbouze: Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine
Elisabeth Yaboki: Wakwa Agricultural Research Center
Vivien Nenwala Pa Ai: Maroua Agricultural Research Center
Valentin Yvan Emmanuel Mvondo: Maroua Agricultural Research Center
Dairou Saifoullah: Garoua Agricultural Research Station
Alain Pahimi Loabe: Garoua Agricultural Research Station
Sobda Gonne: Garoua Agricultural Research Station
Didier Begoude: Directorate General of the Agricultural Research Institute for Development

Agricultural & Rural Studies, 2025, vol. 3, issue 3

Abstract: This study examines perceptions of climate change and the adaptation strategies adopted by small-scale producers in the sudano-sahelian region of Cameroon. The survey was conducted in five villages distributed along a North-South ecological gradient: Pintchoumba, Bamé, Bang (North Region), and Gadas and Douroum (Far North Region). A sample of 250 producers comprising 30 agro-pastoralists, 10 livestock farmers, and 10 crop farmers per village was interviewed using a structured questionnaire based on a three-level Likert scale. The data, processed using R and Excel, primarily represent individuals aged 36 to 45, with women accounting for 22% to 30% of respondents. Findings indicate that 60% of participants perceive climate change through rainfall variability, rising temperatures, vegetation loss, and increased incidence of crop diseases. Perceptions and vulnerability levels vary by geographic location, gender, and livelihood. The northernmost villages, particularly Douroum and Gadas, appear to be the most affected, especially among livestock farmers. Reported adaptation strategies include crop diversification, adoption of short-cycle seeds, transhumance, and food storage. The study recommends context-specific responses: promotion of organic farming in the South, irrigation and farmer innovation hubs in central zones, and microcredit schemes, pastoral corridors, and assisted natural regeneration in the arid North. Emphasis is placed on integrating local knowledge, empowering women, and fostering inclusive governance.

Keywords: perception; sahelian gradient; local knowledge; resilience; farming practices; agricultural challenges (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:sccars:022058

DOI: 10.59978/ar03030016

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