The first regional forum on agroecology in the Congo Basin, held in Yaounde from November 18 to 20, 2024, ended on a satisfactory note.
“Agroecology presents itself as a bold and innovative response, combining traditional knowledge and modern scientific advances for sustainable and resilient agriculture. At the end of this work, I invite you all to consider this Forum as the start of a process. The ideas and commitments formulated must be translated into concrete action, in our respective countries and on a regional scale.” It was with these notes of recognition and determination that Gabriel Mbairobe, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, closed the proceedings of the first Regional Forum on Agroecology in the Congo Basin. Indeed, ״agroecology for the sustainability of food systems and the preservation of forests in the Congo Basin״ was the central theme of this forum. Over three days, the aim was to establish a basis for reflection and increase the level of ownership among stakeholders of the need to adopt agroecology to cope with the effects of climate change in the Congo Basin.
Fulfilling expectations
The Support Service for Local Development Initiatives (SAILD), in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), organized this event, which brought together over 200 participants from some twenty African and European countries. Participants included representatives of civil society organizations, political decision-makers, researchers, farmers, indigenous populations and the media. The exchanges enabled them to become aware of the crucial role of agroecology in the sustainability of food systems and the preservation of forests in the Congo Basin.
“The richness of the various presentations and the quality of the panels highlighted the need to include agroecology in national public policies in the Congo Basin”, noted Gabriel Mbairobe in his closing speech. “The researchers, with their documentation and scientific references, demonstrated that agroecology is a solution for the future of the Congo Basin. I appreciated the selection of panellists who were chosen by SAILD”, enthused Josué Aruna, Executive Director of the Congo Basin Conservation Society (CBCS).
For Hozier Nana Chimi, Secretary General of SAILD, the forum was a success. “Our impressions are good, because agroecology is now part of the debate. It’s being talked about in Cameroon’s environment. Our hope was that all the players involved would take a greater interest in agroecology. Decision-makers, producers and consumers are now sensitive to this cause. All have been sensitized, especially the decision-makers, with a view to establishing a regulatory framework for agroecology in Cameroon. I’m delighted.”
However, participants in this first forum suggested that Congo Basin states create a regional network to promote agroecology in the sub-region, and implement policy, legal and institutional frameworks favorable to agroecology and likely to ensure the construction of healthy food systems, contribute to climate resilience, sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the Congo Basin.
- Sharon Maché
Adopting agroecology is to our advantage
Following the observation that we are increasingly suffering the effects of climate change in the Congo Basin, we organized this meeting to make key players aware that there are ways out of this situation. Agroecology seems to be the most promising way forward. We have all the assets we need to return to the agroecology we used to practise in the past. The Congo Basin is a vast and rich area, the second green lung of our planet. With our support and that of the decision-makers, things will get moving.
Hozier NANA CHIMI
Consumers need to get used to eating healthier
The migration of farmers to agroecology must be driven by consumers, because the more people eat healthy food, the more demand there will be for healthy products.
The major challenges of agroecology are the rest of the agricultural economy and the fear of some players that this practice will not enable production while providing a good income and sufficient food for the population. These prejudices stem from a habit of using agricultural chemicals to achieve high production figures. Consumers need to get into the habit of eating healthier food.
Alain Rousseau
