Robin a researcher from Germany
has been conducting an experiment in the Southwest region of Cameroon in
M’muock Fosimondi regarding sunflowers,in collaboration with Green Step-a German based NGO. He has been working in the village since October, and is
planning on continuing his research until February 2013. His research will consist of
testing several sunflower seed varieties on different plots in the area,using
different organic fertilizers such as EM (effective-microorganisms) and fowl
droppings to test the seed’s productivity. So far, two varieties of seeds were planted in two separate plots.
Different seed varieties were also given out to the four primary schools Green
Step is currently working with regarding organic agriculture, to be planted on
their grounds by the students. The different seed varieties were planted at
least 1km apart to ensure cross-pollination does not occur.The aim of this research is to
see which of the sunflower seed varieties grows best in M’muock, and which ones
produce the highest yield of oil. It is believed that sunflowers have great
potential in M’muock during the dry season, as they need very little water to
grow. Sunflower seeds can be used to make sunflower oil, which is a healthy and
high in vitamin E. If the sunflowers are successfully grown, there is a high
possibility of creating a small-scale sunflower oil production business in
M’muock to generate income for its community. In order for this project to be
successful, trainings will need to be provided to the community members
interested in growing the sunflowers, as well as technical skills on how to
manage an oil producing business.