Climate change adaptation through rainwater harvesting to enhance food security in Diamaré, Cameroon

ABSTRACT Climate change and variability pose significant challenges in Cameroon's Far North Region. Relying predominantly on rainfed agriculture, this region faces heightened rainfall fluctuations and droughts, severely impacting agricultural output and pushing farmers into precarious socioeconomic conditions. Despite other adaptive strategies, access to water remains a challenge, prompting this study to assess the impact of rainwater harvesting (RWH) on crop yields in the Diamaré area. In a farm experiment, the growth of okra, cucumber, lettuce, and cowpea grown purely under rainfed conditions was compared to those that were rainfed as well as supplemented with harvested rainwater during the dry spell of the rainy season. A rooftop RWH system was adopted for irrigation, and data on crop growth and final yields were collected. Statistical analysis revealed a statistically insignificant yet positive influence of rainwater on the growth, development, and ultimate yield of okra, lettuce, and cucumber. The insignificant impact was due to minor differences in means of crop growth parameters. Despite minimal differences in means, the study underscores the positive impact of RWH on crop yields in Diamaré. The findings advocate for the adoption of rooftop and other cost-effective RWH techniques to enhance farmers’ resilience and long-term economic benefits.