Anticipating seasonal and shorter time scale dynamics to farming practices is primordial for indigenous farmers’ resilience under extreme environmental conditions, where climate change is a menace to agro-hydro-ecological systems. This paper assesses the effectiveness of indigenous farmers’ knowledge and aptitude to read weather signs for informed decisions on their daily and seasonal activities. Such climate-proof development is anchored on indigenous people’s knowledge and perceptions in circumstances where the dearth of scientific evidence or information exists as in Cameroon. The study is based on eight focus group discussions and a survey of 597 farming households in seven agro-ecological basins on the Bui Plateau of the Bamenda Highlands. The results indicate that indigenous smallholder farmers value their ability to accurately observe and anticipate local conditions in various ways to serve their local realities more aptly than outside forecasts. Such local knowledge should thus exercise a complementary role weave in a local climate information understanding system that replicates ecological variability.

Bacteriological contamination of water sources, often due to improper handling of human waste, poses significant public health risks. This study investigates coliform bacteria contamination in water sources across the Fako Division of Cameroon. Twenty water samples were collected from various sources, including streams, community water, springs, boreholes, and wells, and analyzed for total coliforms using Violet-Red-Bile-Lactose (VRBL) Agar. Additionally, 352 household questionnaires were administered in four towns to assess water resource contamination. Results showed detectable coliform bacteria in 19 samples during the rainy and 15 during the dry seasons. Runoff during the wet season carries terrestrial biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes into surface water bodies, while some infiltrate porous geology, polluting groundwater. Bacterial pollutants from dumpsites and human waste contribute to critical health issues like typhoid fever and gastroenteritis. Recommendations include landfilling with daily operations to minimize pollution, operational monitoring of domestic water systems, and integrated water quality management strategies. Participatory waste management involving administrators, stakeholders, and the population is crucial to minimize water contamination.

Land-use change is one of the main indicators of soil quality. Soil physical and chemical properties vary with land use change and altitude as inferred from transect surveys and toposequences. Soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) are essential macronutrients for plant growth and soil nutrient balance. Their presence in the soil in appropriate quantities is important for maintaining crop yields and farmers income, particularly in developing countries where resources of soil chemical additives may be limited. This paper assesses the effects of land cover/use change and altitude on soil NPK nutrients in plots of 30 m2 in the North West Region of Cameroon for maintaining soil NPK levels and boosting crop yields. A total of 60 soil samples were collected at the 0-20 cm depth from the plots with various land cover/use types (eucalyptus plantation, farmland, grazing land, and natural forest). Soil samples were analyzed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents based on standard procedures. The concentrations of soil NPK nutrients were below the critical values for different land use types and the studied sites. The decline in soil NPK nutrient contents is partly linked to land use change, long-term nutrient mining through crop harvest, and rainfall-induced leaching of N and K nutrients. To increase food crop yields and sustain the livelihood of farmers, appropriate nature-based solutions of manure application, mulching, the intercropping of legumes, and sustainable use of appropriate chemical NPK fertilizers will help restore the soils and increase crop yields.

The application of indigenous and modern adaptations to climate change across the Bui Plateau, Cameroon, is investigated through interviews, focus group discussions, and a survey of farming households. Adoption and adaptation are skewed towards indigenous approaches; farmers use local seeds (72%) more than improved seeds (28%), a blend of organic and chemical fertilisers, and adjust planting dates. Policy interventions should identify the complementary roles of indigenous and modern adaptation, and promote their application as appropriate.

This paper aims to assess the effects of climate variability on water resources, using Rainfall Seasonality Index (SI) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Water resources are subjected to hydro-climatic and spatial-temporal variations. They are a key constraint to economic development. Rainfall data collected were based on ground observations for stations across Bui. Water output data was also collected for a limited period from CAMWATER Jakri and Kumbo Water Authority. SI and SPI are computed using mean monthly and mean annual rainfall. The average Rainfall Seasonality Index stands at 0.915. This value falls within the class limit of 0.80–0.99. Thus, rainfall in is markedly seasonal with a long drier season. Normally, one would expect the index to be seasonal (0.60-0.79). The markedly seasonal rainfall with a long drier season is as a result of meteorological droughts that lead to a delay in the onset of first rains. standardized Precipitation Index on the other hand is a tool which was developed primarily for defining and monitoring drought. Indices for Bui range from -0.1 to -0.45 (mild to moderate drought conditions). The outcome of these extreme conditions has led to severe water shortages, especially during the dry season. Thus, there is need to enhance existing water resources and protect watersheds to ensure sustainability.