Indigenous agroecological knowledge and practices for climate change adaptation in the forest-savanna transition zone at Batchenga in the Centre Region of Cameroon
Pierre Marie Chimi, William Armand Mala, Bienvenu Léonnel Tchonang Djoumbi, Jean Louis Fobane, Franck Ulrich Fankam Kenmoe, Karimou Ngamsou Abdel, Guillaine Yonga, Angele Marie Ngon Dikoume, Joseph Martin Bell
Abstract
This study investigates the crucial role of the local community's agroecological knowledge in enhancing resilience and adaptability amidst changing climatic conditions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, researchers combined quantitative household questionnaires with qualitative interviews and focus groups. Through meticulous analysis of this diverse data, key themes emerged, facilitated by coding and indexing. Leveraging Excel’s pivot table function, they aggregated and computed monthly averages from daily temperature and rainfall data. Additionally, the logit model revealed factors influencing farmers’ perceptions of climate change. Among the sampled population, most were male (68.89%) and actively engaged in agriculture (82.22%). Most participants belonged to farmers’ organizations (55.56%) and managed an average farm size of 3.6 hectares. Gender played a significant role, with an inverse correlation between gender and the first perception factor (F1) ( r = − 0.68). Conversely, household size was positively associated with F1 ( r = 0.75). Community membership also impacted perception ( p < 0.05), emphasizing context-specific approaches. In Cameroon’s Batchenga subdivision, indigenous communities possess a wealth of agroecological knowledge passed down through generations. Their finely tuned farming practices account for local conditions, including seasonal variations, specific soil types, and available resources, enhancing agricultural system resilience in the face of climate change. The Batchenga community has also developed sustainable resource management strategies, such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and local seed preservation. Collaboration among Indigenous communities, researchers, and decision-makers is crucial to integrating this Indigenous knowledge into climate change adaptation policies effectively.