This paper examines the various ways in which farmers exploit edaphic variability in savannah peri forest zone of centre Cameroon. The approach consisted of a questionnaire prompt administered on the main agricultural land units’ characteristics and corresponding management practices in the study area. Soils analysis indicated that the six agricultural land units found in the study area varied in term of topography, texture, drainage class, depth and nutrient availability. Farmers recognized burning, flat, mounding, ridging, crop rotation, intercropping and fallowing as management practices used in relation to land units (LU). The contrast between LU could explain management practices and observed productivities differences. These highlight farmers’ strategies to deal with environmental variability. The study suggested that it is advisable to support farmer’s efforts to maintain flexibility, rather than provide broad package fertilizer recommendations aimed at intensification. The study anticipates that improving on farmer’s approach may be environmentally sound and economically feasible when considering their circumstances.

Keywords: Low-input system, soil, variability, fertility, management.