The first regional forum on agroecology in the Congo Basin kicked off on November 18, 2024 at the Yaoundé Hilton Hotel.
“ I have no doubt whatsoever that the proceedings of this meeting will take place in an atmosphere of serenity, frank collaboration, dialogue and harmony, so that the objectives set by the organizers will be largely achieved “: it was on these optimistic notes that Gabriel Mbairobe, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, officially launched the proceedings of the first Regional Forum on Agroecology in the Congo Basin. The event was attended by other members of the Cameroonian government, including the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr Taïga, the media, representatives of civil society organizations and the nearly 200 invited participants from ten African and European countries.
“This forum aims to share experiences and highlight the efforts planned by our country, Cameroon, to align itself with this new deal of sustainable agriculture to increase the level of ownership of stakeholders” said the Minister of Agriculture. “ This forum will not only increase productivity and satisfy food needs, but also preserve biodiversity, respect the environment and, above all, provide healthy nutrition for the population” he added.
Recognizing the importance of agroecology
The meeting, organized by the Support service for Local Development Initiatives (SAILD), was held under the central theme: “ Agroecology: for the sustainability of food systems and the preservation of forests in the Congo Basin. For the Secretary General of SAILD, the Congo Basin is capable of meeting current and future environmental challenges thanks to agroecological and organic food systems. “ This is the lung of the world. We have favorable conditions, including natural resources, human resources, and favorable climatic conditions to achieve our goals,” asserted Hozier Nana Chimi.
During the day, participants had the opportunity to master the contours of agroecology. Discussions focused on three sub-themes: agroecology for food systems, climate resilience and strengthening biodiversity protection in the Congo Basin. The first day was also marked by theofficial opening of the national fair for organic and agroecological products at the Boulevard du 20 mai esplanade. The organizers hope that, by the end of the forum, the general public will be aware of the importance of eating healthily through agroecological products, and that decision-makers will put in place an appropriate legal and institutional framework for the popularization of agroecology.
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