Challenges of Small-Scale Agriculture: Evidence from Depressed Communities in Fundong Sub-Division Northwest Region, Cameroon.

Abstract

Small-scale agriculture has become the backbone of most developing countries in the world especially Cameroon in general and Fundong Sub-Division in particular. Following the economic crisis of the early 1990s that hit Cameroon economy, there has been a steady increase in the rate of unemployment, which has paved the way for agriculture to be the leading economic activity. This investigated the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in Fundong Sub-division. The data used in this study were obtained from the survey questionnaire and interview administered on the sample of 104 households. Using cluster-sampling approach, proximity villages were grouped into four clusters villages and Purposive sampling was then used to select households to participate in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the challenges of small-scale farmers. Results obtained revealed that low agricultural production was as a results of these challenges (Poor farm to market roads, Limited access to modern farming tools, Insecurity at the suburbs, Lack of improved and resistant seed varieties etc) faced by these small scale farmers. Based on the finding this study recommends that the government should subsidize the agricultural sector and addressed the issue of farm to market road.