Title:
MARKET GARDENING AS A STRATEGY FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN BUI DIVISION, NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

Authors:
Bime Eric, TsiEvaristus Agwafo, Sevidzem Silas Lendzele, Moye Eric, Suiru Emile Jaidzemo

Abstract:
This study was carried out in the month of May 2017 in Jakiri subdivision of Bui Division in the North West region of Cameroon. This research aimed at investigating the role of market gardening in poverty reduction particularly in rural areas. Poverty reduction has been one of the main challenges of major international organizations (FAO, World Bank, UNICEF etc.) and governments’ especially those of Africa. Thus, this study will contribute to the fight against poverty through the analysis of market gardening as a strategy to poverty reduction in the Jakiri municipality. Primary data was collected through, personal and household interview, focus group discussion, interview of personnel (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development (MINADER) officials, councils, religious heads and local chiefs) and field observation. Secondary data was collected from the Bernard Fonlon’s library, the Jakiri council library and internet. Data gotten was analysed and the results revealed that 73% of the market gardeners in the study area did not attend secondary school and lacked the skills to compete for jobs in urban areas. Thus they were left with no other option than to engage in agriculture and in particular market gardening as their major source of income generating activity. More than 75% of the household income comes from market gardening. Equally more than 80% of what is produced is sold. Moreover, 90% of the gardeners in Jakiri subdivision think that if government should help them to improve on their productivity, this will improve their livelihoods and take them out of poverty. Targeted marketing development strategies need to be followed by market gardeners and various stake holders in Jakiri to better exploit the economic potential of these crops and at the same time maintain its contributions to the local crop diversity. Hence, there are high expectations that the income and the number of market gardeners will rise over time and space. This can be seen by the number of farmers, more than 70% that earn from 1000000FCFA and above per year, an average of 83334FCFA and above per month through Market gardening in the study area.