scholarly journals Cocoa Farmers’ Perceptions of the Contribution of Tree Diversity and Abundance to Soil Fertility in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in the Littoral Region of Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 50-59
Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima ◽  
Roger Kogge Enang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Direct Relationship ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Tree Diversity ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cocoa Farmers ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Levels

Tree diversity and abundance within an agroforestry system plays a crucial role in the provision of different ecosystem services. It was within this framework that this study sought to examine the contribution of tree diversity and abundance to soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. A mixed research approach was adopted during data collection and data analysis was done through the use of descriptive and inferential statistical tools. From the findings of the study, it was revealed that most cocoa farmers perceive tree diversity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems to be between average (50%), high (15%) and very high (20%), while tree abundance was between average (40%), and low (30%). The main types of tree species integrated by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were fruit trees (100%), fuelwood trees (70%), trees for shade (52.7%) and trees for building materials (40%). A statistically significant direct relationship (p<0.05) existed between different levels of tree diversity (very high tree diversity, high tree diversity, average tree diversity, low tree diversity, and very low tree diversity) and soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the greater the diversity of tree species the greater the levels of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Different levels of tree abundance in cocoa agroforests such as average tree abundance, low tree abundance and very low tree abundance had a statistically significant direct relationship (p<0.05) with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the lower the level of tree abundance, the greater the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Meanwhile levels of tree abundance in cocoa agroforests such as very high tree abundance and high tree abundance had a statistically significant inverse relationship (p<0.05) with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the higher the tree abundance, the lesser the level of soil fertility. Thus, it is recommended that more diverse tree species should be integrated in cocoa-based agroforestry systems while tree abundance should be kept to an average level in order to sustain the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.

scholarly journals Cocoa Farmers’ Perceptions of the Role Played by Tree Diversity and Density on Soil Macro-Fauna Diversity and Density in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 20-28
Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima
Keyword(s):  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Tree Diversity ◽  
Tree Density ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Tree Species Diversity ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Cocoa Farmers ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Very High

Tree diversity and density in agroforestry systems has been found to increase the diversity and density of soil macro-fauna. However, very little is known of the relationship between tree diversity and density in cocoa agroforests and soil macro-fauna diversity and density. This study was therefore undertaken to fill this knowledge gap. A mixed research approach was adopted and data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the findings, most cocoa farmers perceived that tree diversity in cocoa agroforests was either average, high or very high. Most cocoa farmers perceived that tree density on its part was either average or low. Concerning soil macro-fauna diversity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, most of the cocoa farmers perceived that soil macro-fauna diversity was either average or high. For soil macro-fauna density in cocoa agroforests, most cocoa farmers perceived that soil macro-fauna density was either average, high or low. Through correlation and regression analyses, it was found that a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship existed between the level of tree diversity and density in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (very high tree diversity, high tree diversity, average tree diversity, low tree diversity, very low tree diversity), and the level of soil macro-fauna diversity and density. This implies that increasing tree species diversity and density leads to increasing soil macro-fauna diversity and density in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It is therefore recommended that policy makers take drastic measures to ensure greater tree diversity and density in cocoa agroforests in order to ensure higher soil macro-fauna diversity and density.

scholarly journals Application of Chemical Fertilizers in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems; Impact on Yields and Policy Ramifications: Empirical Evidence from Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 38-49
Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima ◽  
Roger Kogge Enang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Chemical Fertilizer ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Chemical Fertilizers ◽  
Cocoa Farmers ◽  
Cocoa Yield

Soil fertility decline has pushed farmers across the world to resort to chemical fertilizers in order to improve soil fertility and enhance crop yields. In agroforestry systems, the application of chemical fertilizers is a call for concern considering that agroforestry systems are supposedly agro-ecological, environmentally friendly and sustainable systems. It was within this context that this study sought to assess the application of chemical fertilizers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems and its policy ramifications. Data was collected through a household survey of 300 cocoa farmers in Cameroon, and analyzed on SPSS 17.0 employing descriptive and analytical techniques. It was found that the most commonly used chemical fertilizers by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were NPK 20:10:10 (60%), NPK 15:20:15 (50%), and Urea (40%). It was also noticed that a majority of the cocoa farmers sampled used no chemical fertilizer (35%), very small quantity (15%), small quantity (20%), and moderate quantity (20%). With respect to frequency of use, most cocoa farmers never used chemical fertilizer (35%), used it rarely (30%), or used it occasionally (15%). However, some cocoa farmers used chemical fertilizers frequently (5%) and very frequently (5%) in their cocoa agroforests. Coefficients of correlation and regression showed the existence of a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct and inverse non-causal and causal relationship between different explanatory variables (income level, availability of chemical fertilizers, access to information, membership in farming group and access to extension services) and cocoa farmers’ use of chemical fertilizers; while farm size and number of farms had a statistically significant inverse relationship. Correlation and regression coefficients showed the existence of a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct non-causal and causal relationship between different levels of cocoa yields (very high cocoa yield, high cocoa yield, average cocoa yield, low cocoa yield, very low cocoa yield, no change in cocoa yields) and the application of chemical fertilizers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. On the basis of the study’s findings, it is recommended that measures be taken to limit the use of chemical fertilizers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems in order to enhance the sustainability of these systems.

scholarly journals Determinants and Policy Ramifications of Cocoa Farmers’ Use of Agrochemicals in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 26-37
Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima
Keyword(s):  
Virus Disease ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Effect Relationship ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Cocoa Farmers

The application of agrochemicals in agroforestry systems in general and cocoa-based agroforestry systems in particular is unprecedented as agroforestry systems are considered as environmentally benign, agro-ecological and sustainable agricultural systems. It was within this context that this study was undertaken to examine the determinants of cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemical in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Through a mixed research approach, and data analysis using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tools, it was found that the main types of herbicides used by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems are Paraquat (50%) and Glyphosate (40%). For fungicides, the main types used were Mancozeb (70%), Maneb (65%), Ridomil (60%), Caocobre (50%), and Nordox (40%). For insecticides, the main types used were Methyl (65%), Imidacloprid (60%), Endosulfan (50%), Cypermethrin (50%), and Fenobucarp (40%). The most common pests and diseases affecting cocoa perceived by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were Black pod – Phytophtora spp (100%), Capsid/Mirids – Distantiella theobroma and Sahlbergella singularis (100%), Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease – CSSVD (60%), Witches’ broom – Crinipellis perniciosa (50%) and Vascular streak dieback (40%). Most cocoa farmers perceived that the use of all three agrochemicals (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides) in cocoa-based agroforestry systems have negative socio-economic and environmental impacts.  From Spearman rank correlation and logistic regression coefficients, it was noticed that the main explanatory variables having a statistically significant direct non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) with cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were gender, income, availability of agrochemicals, access to information, membership in farming groups, and access to extension services. Meanwhile the main explanatory variables having a statistically significant indirect or inverse non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) with cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were farm size and number of farms. It is recommended that policy makers take a critical look at the different agrochemicals used by cocoa farmers as well as the determinants of their use when formulating policies geared towards ensuring the sustainable use of these agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.

scholarly journals Assessing the determinants of soil fertility in cocoa-based (Theobroma cacao) agroforestry systems in the Littoral region of Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Test Statistic ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Littoral Region ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Cocoa Farmers

Soil fertility decline is a reality across the globe. Soil infertility has led to falling crop yields for both food and cash crops precipitating both poverty and food insecurity. Poor agricultural practices have often been blamed for declining levels of soil fertility. It was within this framework that this study was carried out to assess soil fertility levels in cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the Littoral region of Cameroon. Through the use of a mixed research approach and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis it was found that the most perceived indicators of soil fertility by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were cocoa yields (100%), soil colour (90%), indicator plant species (75%), presence of soil macro-organisms (80%), indicator weed species (65%), growth rate/vigour of the cocoa plant (70%),  and level of compaction of the soil (50%). Chi-square test statistic (X2 = 15.92, p<0.05) revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in cocoa farmers’ perceptions of soil fertility indicators in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Most cocoa farmers perceived the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems to be between average (29%) and low (43%). Very few cocoa farmers perceived that soil fertility level in cocoa-based agroforestry systems was very high (5.3%). Chi-square test statistic (X2 = 38.42, p<0.05), revealed the existence of a statistically significant difference in cocoa farmers’ perception of the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Correlation and regression analyses showed the existence of a direct and inverse non-causal and causal relationship respectively between several explanatory variables and soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It was noticed that explanatory variables such as fertilizer/manure application, diversity of tree species in the cocoa agroforests,  diversity of soil macro-fauna in the cocoa agroforests, and density of soil macro-fauna in the cocoa agroforests, all had a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct non-causal and causal relationship with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Meanwhile, explanatory variables such as age of the cocoa farm, density of cocoa plants in the cocoa agroforests, and application of agrochemicals in the cocoa agroforests, all had a statistically significant (p<0.05) non-causal and causal relationship with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It is therefore recommended that there should be more organic fertilizer/manure application, more diversity of tree species in the cocoa agroforests, and measures to ensure the diversity and density of soil macro-fauna in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.

Attitudes toward the use of TELL tools in English language learning among Vietnamese Tertiary English majors

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-596
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Guided Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
English Majors ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Levels

Technology plays a crucial role in the self-guided learning of a second language in general and English in particular. Nevertheless, many students in different contexts still ignore the application of technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) tools in enhancing their foreign language proficiency. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the attitudes towards the use of TELL tools in English-language learning (ELL) among English majors at one university in Vietnam. To collect data, 197 English majors participated in finishing the questionnaire, and 20 students were invited to join the interviews. The findings are that the majority of students have positive attitudes towards the use of TELL tools and the frequency of using these tools is very high. In addition, the results also reveal that there is no significant difference in attitudes towards and frequency of using TELL tools in learning English in terms of the year of study. However, students of different levels of academic achievements have different attitudes towards using TELL tools and use TELL tools to learn English differently. Received 2nd May 2019; Revised 16th July 2019, Accepted 20th October 2019

scholarly journals Circular economy in the construction sector: advancing environmental performance through systemic and holistic thinking

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnus Sparrevik ◽  
Luitzen de Boer ◽  
Ottar Michelsen ◽  
Christofer Skaar ◽  
Haley Knudson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Recursive Structure ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Environmental Effectiveness ◽  
Standards And Regulations ◽  
Management Schemes ◽  
Different Levels

AbstractThe construction sector is progressively becoming more circular by reducing waste, re-using building materials and adopting regenerative solutions for energy production and biodiversity protection. The implications of circularity on construction activities are complex and require the careful evaluation of impacts to select the appropriate path forward. Evaluations of circular solutions and their environmental effectiveness are often performed based on various types of life cycle-based impact assessments. This paper uses systemic thinking to map and evaluate different impact assessment methodologies and their implications for a shift to more circular solutions. The following systemic levels are used to group the methodologies: product (material life cycle declarations and building assessments), organisation (certification and management schemes) and system (policies, standards and regulations). The results confirm that circular economy is integrated at all levels. However, development and structure are not coordinated or governed unidirectionally, but rather occur simultaneously at different levels. This recursive structure is positive if the methods are applied in the correct context, thus providing both autonomy and cohesion in decision making. Methods at lower systemic levels may then improve production processes and stimulate the market to create circular and innovative building solutions, whereas methods at higher systemic levels can be used, for example, by real estate builders, trade organisations and governments to create incentives for circular development and innovation in a broader perspective. Use of the performance methods correctly within an actor network is therefore crucial for successful and effective implementation of circular economy in the construction sector.

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