From July 28 to August 4, 2025, the Local Development Initiatives Support Service (SAILD) promoted four agroecological practices in the villages of Kambocassi, Hona, and Mansa in the Belabo district of eastern Cameroon.
Agroforestry, crop association, the production of a biofertilizer based on Tithonia, and the production of a chili-based insect repellent are the agroecological techniques on which 90 farmers, including 71 women and around 60 men, were trained in the three villages bordering Deng Deng National Park. The theoretical and practical training provided in each of the localities aimed to strengthen the capacities of local communities in sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly practices.
The teaching modules were chosen according to the needs of the communities and the specific characteristics of the targeted localities. “Agroforestry involves combining fruit or forest trees with annual crops on the same plot of land. It helps regulate the rain cycle and contributes to food security, as farmers will have a wide range of consumable products,” explained Aristide Tchounkeu, an agricultural engineer at SAILD.
According to the trainer, intercropping (grasses and legumes) limits the spread of diseases and pests by naturally enriching the soil and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. In addition, the practical sessions enabled participants to master the appropriate equipment for manufacturing biofertilizers and natural insect repellents, as well as the dosages, manufacturing process, and instructions for use for optimal effectiveness.
Noticeable local ownership
The activities carried out have demonstrated real interest and good ownership by the communities. Lucie Yaye, a beneficiary from the village of Mansa, testifies. “For years, I have been suffering from caterpillar infestations that eat my corn plants without me being able to do anything about it. Thanks to the training, I now know how to fight them by spraying chili pepper on the plants,” she said.
In Kombo-cassi, the village chief expressed his gratitude for this initiative. “I am overjoyed! Poverty will be reduced in this village thanks to the work of SAILD, which continues to train us. Before, we only grew what we ate, such as corn, cassava, and peanuts. Today, we know that by planting fruit trees in the fields, we will benefit. Their fruit will give us money and enable us to provide for ourselves,” acknowledged Simon Hamanda.
Seeds (corn, beans, and cassava cuttings) and small agricultural equipment (backpack sprayers, machetes, hoes, dabas, files, pairs of boots, and gangs) were also distributed to each beneficiary. This means they are well equipped to easily apply the agroecological practices they learned during the training sessions organized as part of the “Participatory Restoration of the Forest Landscape of Deng Deng National Park” project, supported by the IKI Small Grants Program.
- Sharon Maché
