Effects of Intercropping Systems of Castor Bean, Maize and Common Bean on Their Growth and Seed Yield in the Soudano Guinea Zone of Cameroon

Field trial was carried out in the Soudano-Guinean zone of Cameroon to investigate the effect of intercropping systems of castor bean with common bean and maize on their growth and yield. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used and five treatments: castor bean in monoculture or in association with common beans or maize, common bean in monoculture and in association with castor bean, maize in monoculture and in association with castor bean. The growth parameters and seed yield were evaluated. Castor beans associated with either maize or common bean grew faster compared to the monoculture system. In addition common bean exhibited fast growth and high seed yield when associated to castor bean, while, no significant difference was observed for maize. In conclusion, the culture of castor bean in association with common bean or maize is advantageous for the peasants in the Adamawa Cameroon region.