Soil fertility is the major determinant of output in Oku today. The objective of this study is based on the techniques used by rural farmers to maximize output on an advanced deteriorating soil. This phenomenon has not only impinged on output but limits the quality of food available to this agricultural dependent people. Over the years, soil constituents became exhausted as a result of continuous cultivation. The planting of Leucaena and Tephrosia tree species in farms played a challenging role in ameliorating output. The methodology adopted by this study centered on the administration of questionnaires, observation, interviews and field visits. A total of 38 Leucaena and Tephrosia trees were counted on four nearby farms. In these farms selected maize seeds were planted at regular ring distance around the trees. The results obtained revealed that, quality maize was harvested at closer perimeter to the soil fertilizer trees. This strategy maximized sustainable soil management and promoted agro forestry activities in Oku. The study concluded that soil fertility is improved upon by planting soil fertilizer trees in farms. At least one of these tree species is identified in farms in Oku.

This study explores the response of the increased global warning levels (GWLs) on the spatio‐temporal characteristics of extreme precipitation and temperature events over Central Africa (CA). For this purpose, eight indices proposed by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices have been computed based on an ensemble‐mean of simulations from the COnsortium for Small‐scale MOdelling in CLimate Mode (CCLM) regional climate model, under the Representative Concentration Pathways scenario RCP8.5. The ability of CCLM to represent the climatology of considered daily hydro‐climatic extreme indices related to both precipitation and temperature was also assessed. The results showed that despite the presence of some biases, the precipitation and temperature indices are satisfactorily represented by CCLM, with some notable improvements compared to the GCMs driving fields. The climate change signals under 1.5°C GWL threshold show mostly increases (decreases) in SDII, CDD, R95PTOT, T10, T90, WSDI, and DTR (RR1) over CA throughout the year, and these effects intensify towards a warmer world. Singularly, the strongest changes in these extreme events are generally recorded during the JJA season over the northern part of CA. The results also show on one hand a widespread decrease in mean precipitation (up to 2 mm · day−1 corresponding to ~50%) associated with the increase/decrease in CDD/RR1, and on the other hand an increase in mean temperatures (up to 4°C corresponding to ~18%) associated with the increase in both lowest and highest temperatures (T10, T90). This study suggests that the CA region will be prone to droughts and floods as well as heat waves in a warmer world and calls for climate action and adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the above changes on rain‐fed agriculture, water resource, and human health.

This study examines the impact of climate variability on maize (Zea mays) production in Bui Division and adaptation mechanisms employed by maize famers. The guiding premise is that climate variability has created unusual environmental conditions, partly responsible for the drop in the yields of maize, in Bui, where famers adaptation options remain inefficient. A mixed approach was used in generating data from both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires were administered to 180 purposively selected maize farmers with at least 20years of experience in maize cultivation and interviews carried with 24key informants. Secondary data was collected from the divisional office in charge of agricultural statistics and surveys for Bui. Data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results revealed that annual rainfall witnessed a slight decrease in amount between 1991 and 2010, erratic events, frequent dry spells, decrease in rainy days and fluctuations in the onset and termination of the rainy season, while temperature witnessed a moderate rising trend. These varying trends in temperature and rainfall across Bui were observed to have partly contributed to an average decrease of 200kg/ha in maize yields between 2000 and 2010. The strategies adopted by farmers to face the negative effect of varying climatic elements proved inefficient. For proper adaptation, government should develop efficient meteorological systems through which information on weather predictions will be disseminated to farmers, provide agricultural loans and build farmers' capacity on the best adaptation options, with focus on youths, known to have the defining attributes when it comes to modern agriculture.

The cultivation of crops and the rearing of animals remains the major economic activity for sustainable rural livelihood. It employs more than 80% of the countryside population in this vicinity. Agriculture in most of the less developed countries involves 62% of the working population and contributes over 20% to their countries Gross Domestic. Farmers use different methods to improve agricultural productivity, in order to meet the demand of the increasing population over time. The primary method of information collection on the subject under study focused on first hand data from farmers. Questionnaires were administered to the targeted population in the area. The questionnaires focused on soil management techniques, intensification and modernization of crops such as maize, beans and Irish potatoes. The open and close ended question technique was adopted. Direct field observation and visit to farms where various crops are cultivated was undertaken. Results obtained revealed the urgent necessity for the creation of common initiative groups to boost agricultural production. It is against this background that the inadequate mechanized agricultural system has resulted in the creation of Common Initiatives Group (CIG) with efficient farmers 'participation and involvement to boost agricultural productivity. These practices are glaring within the agricultural dependent population of Oku.

Every farming engagement is geared at obtaining utmost output. Small scale farmers draw knowledge of sustainable agro forestry practices either from resource persons or institutions. Appropriately, practical farming processes are done at an individual scale with the intension of obtaining maximum outcomes. This matches with perceptions and reality of agro forestry commitment undertaken by local farmers. This study underscores the different agricultural techniques practiced in Oku. This write up explores information gathered from focus groups, clear-cut direct observation from sowing, weeding, harvesting and storage of produce, interview of local farmers, and spot visits to selected farms within the locale. The biophysical setting of the milieu favours the practice of agro forestry. Farmers' perception and expectations were investigated using field data, statistical findings and interview results. Obtained results revealed the positive correlation existing between perceptions and reality in the quality, quantity and variety of outputs obtained at the end of the farming season. Local techniques harnessed with modern methods positively matches perceptions and reality in this domain.