Making Agriculture Sustainable
More than 1 million people in the South West Region of Cameron live in rural communities and in absolute poverty. These communities have some of the worst socio-economic indicators in Cameroon. Annual food deficits have become normal in the area. Low crop yields and drought have exacerbated the economic problems caused by remoteness and poor infrastructure, stagnate economic progress despite otherwise promising economic resources such as good soils. Inadequate food supply has also contributed to the high rates of morbidity and mortality within the area. Most of the ethnic Bakossi groups which comprise much of the region’s population have only in recent years gained access to opportunities for literacy training. Access to health care and education remains at a low level.
The objectives for this program include increasing agricultural efficiency, improving livestock health, promoting the growing of nutrient-rich vegetables in household gardens, and increasing access to credit and marketing opportunities. The focus has been on building a sustainable organization to represent small-scale farmers in the South West region of Cameroon, particularly in Kupe-Muanenguba Division
Approach to Self-Reliance
Today, with a purpose to equip rural people with perspective, skills, technical knowledge essential to initiate effective developmental activities, we are setting up a multipurpose training center. To pursue these, PFPF is putting together initiatives of the former two programs and with a decade of experience working with rural people. It has developed reasonable understanding to address the need by training support. The center will provide need-based training inputs to volunteers, people and women as well as make available information and knowledge related to rural development. Its principal activities shall be completely inter-related by promoting and managing integrated system of farm production (diversification) with a goal of making them profitable as well as remaining conscious of the environment and finally install the trainees as farmers/leaders in their communities.
Program update
Acquire a 10 ha piece of land for the development of the training center and is now serving as an integrated demonstration farm for sustainable farming techniques.
The demonstration farm has received recognition by the government of Cameroon, with a formal visit of the administrative officer (Government representative) of the Division.
Established a collaborative relationship with 2Way Development UK for volunteer placements to facilitate programs operations at the demonstration farm and eventually in the PFPF-TRED center.
Established a documentation unit which is now serving as the organizations library is receiving publications from CTA, The International Institute for environment and development IIED, The ECHO Network magazine, The LIESA Magazine etc.
Established relationship with Asian Rural Institute (ARI) Japan and iLEAP The Center For Critial service, Seattle, USA for staff capacity building
