Socio-economic Characterization of Family Fruit Farms in the Guinean High Savannah of Cameroon

Fruit growing is one of the main strategic axis for income generation and poverty reduction in all localities. The Guinean High Savannah of Cameroon are host to numerous fruit farms families but they are underdeveloped. In order to improve this situation and make this sector a tool for development, the present study aims to carry out a socio-economic characterization of fruit farms. This characterization was carried out by means of producer surveys. A total of 101 growers interviewed were married (92%) and farmed 75% of the land acquired on a customary basis, of which only 11% had title to ownership. Over 65% associate farming with fruit production. The main obstacles to production are pests and diseases, and outdated production technique Between 40% and 70% of production is lost in the field or after harvest. Fruit production on family farms can be improved by strengthening pest- and disease-resistant fruit varieties and advanced production technique.