Solange Meka

Land Evaluation for Upland Rice Cultivation in Southern Cameroon: Determination of the Climatic and Soil Suitability of Southern Cameroon for Upland Rice Cultivation Solange Meka

The Achievement of food security is one of the main challenges of many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. A steadfast increase in rice production can substantially contribute in ameliorating food security. Actually, rice is a staple food for more than half of the world?s population and its consumption is increasing rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, per capita consumption of rice has increased from 2.3 kg in 1961 to 22.4 kg in 2005. About 87 % of the rice consumed in Cameroon is imported, mean while the natural conditions in the country are favourable for the production of rice to satisfy local demand and for export. The dominant rice cropping systems in Cameroon are irrigated and lowland rainfed agriculture. The main question addressed in this book is ?What are the potentialities of Southern Cameroon for upland rice production?? In this study, land evaluation was used to assess the suitability of Southern Cameroon for rice cultivation.