SMALL-SCALE FARMING SYSTEMS AND STAKEHOLDERS PARTICIPATION IN LIVELIHOOD SUSTENANCE IN FUNDONG SUB-DIVISION NORTH WEST REGION, CAMEROON.
Small scale agriculture has become the back bone 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 activity is creating employment to thousands of people in Fundong Sub-Division and contributing greatly to livelihood sustainability in Fundong. This study specifically examines small-scale farming systems and stakeholders involved in livelihood sustainability in Fundong the Sub-Division. The data was elicited via survey questionnaire administered to 104 respondents in 25 communities in Fundong. Using cluster-sampling approach, proximity villages were grouped into four clusters of villages and purposive sampling was used to select farmers to participate in the study. The objective of the study was achieved using descriptive statistics. The study reveals that small-scale agriculture is the dominant economic activity in the area, with various farming systems practiced, including mixed cropping, subsistence farming, and mixed forest farming. The findings show that maize and beans are the main crops produced, and that most farmers practice mixed cropping, with a significant proportion involved in vegetable gardening and tomato cultivation. The study also highlights the crucial role of small-scale agriculture in sustaining livelihoods among rural communities, providing income, food security, and employment opportunities. Effective stakeholder participation, including small-scale farmers, local communities, governments, NGOs, and private sector entities, are essential for promoting sustainable agricultural development and improving livelihoods. To address the complex challenges facing small-scale agriculture, there is need for a collaborative approach of stakeholders, and prioritizing livelihood sustenance. This can help promote sustainable agricultural development, reduce poverty, and improve food security in rural communities.
Keywords: Small Scale Farming systems, Stake holder participation, Livelihood Sustenance