Farmers’ Response to Maize Production Risks in Cameroon : A Criticality Risk Matrix Model (CRM) Approach

Farmers' unwillingness to participate in the maize production process due to the danger of experiencing one or more risk factors is one of the key reasons for rising food insecurity. This study therefore analyses farmers' responses to risks involved in maize production in Cameroon. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data on maize production risks was collected from 404 maize farmers operating in selected localities along River Sanaga. The Criticality Risk Matrix model was utilized to determine the severity of these risks based on their criticality and likelihood of occurrence. After deriving farmers’ risk preferences from categorization of their farm decisions, a Multinomial Logistic Regression model was then employed to investigate the extent to which risk severity influences farm decisions. Results revealed that production risks with fatal consequences such as pests had a negative significant influence on farm decisions and their perceived threats were more likely to provoke risk-averse responses. Less fatal risk threats such as fertilizers, farm infrastructure, labor and health risks were all significant and also induced risk-averse responses from farmers. Further findings reveal farmers’ gender, age and employment status also significantly influences farm decision making. The farmers’ response patterns were then presented on Graded Response Model Characteristic Curves for more astute representation. It is recommended that more effective measures for information on production risks be made available to farmers as well as sustained support in the fight against risks