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id21 viewpoints Porcupines, bees and yams – sustainable agriculture in Cameroon Gilbert Njodzeka, a member of Green Care Shisong, identifies some of the factors behind a successful locally-driven agricultural programme in Cameroon. In northwest Cameroon, farmers are constantly looking to earn extra income. Green Care, an environmental association based in the village of Shisong, runs several successful training programmes. The aim is to introduce sustainable agriculture in the region. Green Care runs several training programmes. One of these teaches people to domesticate wild porcupines. For years, hunting wild porcupines has caused a decline in wild populations, which threatens their long term survival in the region. More worryingly, the most common hunting technique is to light fires in scrub areas to flush animals out. This often leads to uncontrolled fires, which destroy native forests and bush. Green Care trains farmers to breed porcupines domestically, focusing on building enclosures, feeding, sanitation, marketing, keeping records and breeding techniques. This reduces the need for hunting, protecting both wild populations and forests. The programme is relatively new in the region; Green Care got involved two years ago, working with over 36 farmers so far. Green Care also offers training in rapid yam set multiplication (a technique to improve yam cultivation through taking extra cuttings) and planting indigenous and agro-forestry tree species to provide fruit, improve soil fertility and reduce erosion. The trainers also run modern bee keeping workshops at their demonstration farm. There are several reasons why these training programmes have been successful. Perhaps most importantly, the trainers themselves are all local farmers. They understand the problems local farmers face and can suggest appropriate and realistic solutions. They also practice many techniques in their own farms, so they can share experiences and demonstrate the benefits of each programme. Furthermore:
These programmes support Green Care’s plan to introduce and promote sustainable agriculture to the region. This approach aims to make farming environmentally sustainable, whilst increasing profits for farmers. Green Care works with the Centre for Promotion of Conservation Agriculture (CEPROCA) to teach farmers modern sustainable agriculture techniques. This is not without problems, however. Green Care faces challenges common to many small organisations in Cameroon:
Agricultural and income generating programmes introduced by overseas organisations have sometimes caused more harm and good (such as a scheme to plant eucalyptus trees, which now drain many of the local water springs). By building on local knowledge and expertise, Green Care’s programmes are changing the way people farm, with benefits for the farmers and the environment. Gilbert Njodzeka What do you think? Tel +237
9688 3632 Click here to go back to previous id21 viewpoints Submit
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