Some farmers in Njincha village, Noun Division,west Region of Cameroon have drawn the attention of their counterparts, as after so much research and experimenting, they now produce their own local insecticide. This insecticide has proven effective to them and a majority of farmers in the Noun Division.
According to Njoya Moustapha, one of the discoverers of the local insecticides, the main plant used in the production process is Tephrosia. Njoya Moustapha says, “Tephrosia is very toxic and kills insects in the farm. I prepare the treatment by fermenting Tephrosia plant in water for one week (Experiment A), I then soak tobacco separately in water (Experiment B) for about a week and mix the two experiments (Experiment C). I then drain experiment C with the use of a sift and pour them into pumps to serve as treatment (insecticides) on tomatoes, pepper and coffee. When this insecticide is sprayed on crops in the farm, you see how the different insects fall-off from the crops instantly. It is very effective” , he revealed.He testifies that the treatment allows their crops to yield more outputs, thus increasing their income levels. The treatment is affordable. This is because it takes less time and the plant grows naturally.The farmers in this village have been using this technique introduced by the technician, Njoya Moustapha for over a year and they are happy with the results they get. More farmers are gradually adopting the technique as they seek to improve on their productivity.Njoya Moustapha wishes that the technique be tested scientifically as they have no clue on the side effects the treatment can cause.Tephrosia is a genus flowering plant in the family fabaceae, the generic name is derived from a Greek word Tephros meaning “ash-colored,” referring to the greenish tint given to the leaves by their dense Trichomes.
