From September 28 to October 3, 2025, the Support Service for Local Development Initiatives (SAILD) accompanied around forty beneficiaries in the villages of Mansa, Hona, and Kambo-Cassi in eastern Cameroon. All of the farms visited revealed a strong involvement of women in agroecology.
In order to continue training local communities involved in implementing agroecological techniques and to evaluate how the lessons learned are being put into practice, the NGO SAILD visited 48 beneficiary farms in the villages of Mansa, Hona, and Kambo-Cassi in the Belabo district of eastern Cameroon. Through this activity, which takes place a month and a half after training in agroecological production techniques, SAILD visits the various plots of land belonging to participants who have received small agricultural equipment and seeds to put their acquired knowledge into practice.
According to Aristide Tchounkeu, agricultural engineer and agricultural manager of the project, field visits reveal that women are heavily involved in the implementation of agroecological activities. “The results obtained demonstrate a real commitment on the part of the beneficiaries, particularly women, who are positioning themselves as key players. In the village of Mansa, 73% of the agroecological farms visited are owned by women. In Hona, 92% are owned by women, and in Kambo-Cassi, 84% of women are owners. This is an important asset for the sustainability of the actions undertaken,” he explained.
Agroecology expanding in the three villages
Furthermore, observations demonstrate the effectiveness of the training provided to beneficiaries: “There is a good understanding of the basic principles of agroecology, particularly crop rotation and agroforestry, which are now widely adopted in the three villages. However, some essential practices, such as the regular application of biofertilizer, bio-insect repellent, or mulching, remain underutilized,” Aristide lamented.
However, these local communities in Belabo, which are in the process of transitioning to agroecology, face multiple challenges. “Monitoring of plantations has highlighted persistent challenges related to pest attacks, particularly armyworms, low soil fertility, and damage caused by domestic animals. This highlights the need to strengthen measures to protect crops and tree seedlings, as well as to improve pasture management and community coordination around planting sites,” acknowledged the agricultural engineer.
This mission, part of the “Participatory Restoration of the Forest Landscape of Deng Deng National Park” project supported by the IKI Small Grants Program, paves the way for a change in behavior regarding agricultural practices that promote forest conservation, including agroecology.
- Sharon Maché
