From October 1 to 10, 2024, SAILD monitored agroecological, beekeeping and small livestock production activities in the villages of Tête d’Eléphant, Liguim and Lom1 in East Cameroon.
Since the beginning of 2024, the Support Service for Local Development Initiatives (SAILD) has strengthened the capacities of over 200 farmers in three villages in East Cameroon. These people living near the Deng Deng National Park have been trained in agroecology, beekeeping and small-scale village chicken farming.
From October 1 to 10, 2024, the organization monitored these activities implemented as part of the project “Optimizing the conservation of Deng Deng National Park through capacity building of local riparian populations on agroecological practices”. The aim was to take stock of the situation and verify the level of appropriation of the practices brought to these communities.
To this end, a team led by SAILD agronomist Aristide Tchounkeu spent ten days in the villages of Liguim, Tête d’Eléphant and Lom 1 in the Lom-et-Djerem department. She conducted on-site inspections of colonized beehives; visits to agro-ecological farms and hen farms.
Agroecology gaining ground
The results were satisfactory: “We’re delighted with the progress we’ve made in the field. Beneficiaries are using at least one agroecological practice. The association of grasses with legumes and agroforestry are the most widely adopted,” confided a delighted Aristide. According to him, fish farming and small-scale poultry rearing have also been well taken up in the three villages.
The honey, eggs and chicks produced provide beneficiaries with a significant source of income and contribute to household food security. “After the training, we received hens and roosters to put into practice. Today, we continue to enjoy the fruits of this breeding, which enable us to earn a little money in addition to consuming eggs”, said a delighted beneficiary.
The agronomist also noted a slowdown in beekeeping production. “It’s lagging behind because of natural enemies such as termites, ants and wax moths, which hinder the development of the hives”, he said.
However, to ensure that beekeeping, agro-ecology and poultry farming activities continue to expand in these areas, beneficiaries would like to see more training in agro-ecology, ongoing technical support and the formation of farmers’ organizations to ensure the sustainability of acquired practices.
- Sharon Maché
