Julius Tata Nfor

Lecturer University of Dschang, Department of Geography-Laboratories of Climatology and Environmental Research (LACLIENR), Western Highlands Research Centre (WHRC);email:jtnfor2007@yahoo.com, +237675426969

 Abstract

In the pastoral highlands of Nkambe, the effects of water stress on cattle production has been highlighted by most researchers with little attention given to water pollution by algae bloom. It is for this premise that our paper addresses the actual situation of algae bloom pollution and its effects on cattle production in the study area. Four water samples were collected from four major cattle water points in the grazing zone; Njema/Kokoube, Njoke, Binshua, Bontor/Magha and analysed at the Laboratory of Applied Botany, Faculty of Science; University of Dschang. The results showed a high relative abundance of algae of varied species which affects cattle health especially during water stress periods. The laboratory analysis also showed that, the problem of water quantity is more crucial than the quality problem. Despite the efforts of pastoralists and stakeholders, algae bloom pollution and recurrent water shortages remain a major constraints to cattle production in a region which is consider to supply major urban centres of Cameroon with cattle byproducts It is under this backdrop that the actual state of algae bloom pollution of major cattle water points and the future of cattle production in the Nkambe highlands is a research priority. 

Key words: Algae bloom, water pollution, food security, cattle, Nkambe.