Farmer benefits
The ultimate beneficiaries of CAMPROSAM's investments in sustainable agriculture, water resource development, and management are the smallholder farmers, fishers, and local communities across the regions of Cameroon.
Here is a small selection of stories from people in our partner regions who have improved their livelihoods and communities through innovative solutions to address challenges in water, productivity, profitability, and sustainability. CAMPROSAM-supported projects, which bring together stakeholders, technicians, and scientists, have worked alongside countless smallholder farmers since 2014. These efforts have led to tangible improvements in agricultural practices, access to clean water, and overall community resilience, demonstrating the power of collaboration and practical solutions in transforming lives.
Fish Farming Breaks the Crime Cycle
A unique prisoner rehabilitation program in Cameroon is teaching inmates and correctional officers the basics of fish farming, yielding positive social impacts. Since its introduction in 2019, the program has contributed to a reduction in crime and antisocial behavior, increased self-esteem among participants, and fostered cooperation between former adversaries. Many inmates and officers have been trained, and several ex-inmates have returned to their villages , establishing fish farms that supply fingerlings and table fish to their communities.
One such success story is Njeptui, who, after serving time at Bafoussam Prison, returned to his village and began farming genetically improved tilapia. With eight ponds and a total production capacity of 2 tonnes, Njeptui's farm has become a valuable resource. His knowledge is in high demand, as his fellow villagers are eager to learn and purchase fingerlings.
Reflecting on the transformative power of fish farming, Njeptui shared, 'Had it not been for fishing, I would have revisited the circumstances under which I was jailed. When I am angry or depressed, I go to the fish ponds and either feed the fish or just watch to take my mind away' This program not only provides economic opportunities but also offers emotional healing and a path toward reintegration into soociety.
Sustainable intensification of maize-legume cropping systems.
Mr. Chemetoh Jones, a farmer from Big Babanki village in the North West region of Cameroon, is benefiting from his involvement in the SIMLENOSO project, which focuses on improving maize-legume cropping systems for better food security in the region. A father of five, Mr. Chemetoh supports his family primarily through maize and solanum scabrum, storing any surplus in a grain house for either personal use or sale to middlemen.
Thanks to advice from CAMPROSAM extension worker Mr Mbi Pius, Mr Chemetoh has been able to increase his yields, and his success has inspired neighboring farmers to try and replicate his methods. As his harvest grows, he plans to expand his grain storage and sell even more produce.
''Saving the Forest, River, and Community: A CAMPROSAM-Supported Project''
A CAMPROSAM-supported project in East Cameroon has empowered both men and women to improve community livelihoods while protecting the environment through agroforestry. The Kadouma catchment has faced increasing degradation due to unsustainable agricultural practices and resource exploitation, but the Kadouma Farmer's Club was eager to learn agroforestry techniques to combat these environmental challenges.
When the project began, the club had just 10 members. CAMPROSAM helped us establish a village nursery, and by 2019, we successfully rehabilitated the Kadouma catchment, said club president, Mr. Atia Ben Johnson. As the nursery flourished and the community saw its success, more men and women joined in. The club doubled in size, and profits from seedlings rose from $750 in 2018 to approximately $3,000 in 2020. Initially starting with just 300 seedlings, we are now working with 1,500.
Beyond selling seedlings, we also embraced smallholder farming thanks to the project. Each week, we harvest fruits and vegetables and sell them at nearby markets, with every member earning between $90 and $200. This project has truly transformed our lives . Not only has it helped save our forests and river, but it has also united our entire community.
''Introducing New Crops, Accessing New Markets''
In rural Cameroon, cattle and pigs are essential to farming life, but livestock production has traditionally been limited to one or two large animals per household due to disease and a lack of adequate feed.
CAMPROSAM-supported researchers are now encouraging farmers to grow fodder crops to boost livestock production and improve livelihood security. These crops-tropical grasses and legumes-provide a consistent source of feed, enabling more intensive and reliable livestock farming, which contributes to the growth of sustainable village economies.
Farmer Mr. Abang Peter has embraced this approach and transformed into an entrepreneur. Together with his neighbours, he set aside land to grow forage crops. This has allowed Mr. Abang Peter to create a new income stream by purchasing undernourished cattle, fattening them, using them for plowing, and then selling the improved animals at a much higher price. He says that by buying "skinny" cattle and selling them "fat" he can earn a profit of $300 per animal within just a couple of months, significantly improving his family's agricultural prospects and quality of life.
"How New Technology is Transforming Lives"
In rural Cameroon, transforming farming techniques is helping farmers reduce costs and increase production, while also offering a path out of poverty. A small, versatile multi-crop planter, developed by a CAMPROSAM-supported team, can perform various tasks like zero and strip tillage, form and plant beds, and more.
This planter is now being manufactured locally in Cameroon for both domestic use and export. One of the biggest beneficiaries of the project is Mr. Enow Martin, who has become a machinery contractor, providing services to farm families. Becoming a contractor has drastically changed the fortunes of Mr. Enow's family.
"I used to be a farm labourer, then sold clay pots to make money. We were very poor", says Mr. Enow. "I attended one of the meetings about the planter and decided to buy one. There was such high demand from farmers that I ended up needing three drivers to meet it. We worked day and night, and I made 700, 000 CFA (about $1,050) that year. This machine has truly helped improve our lives"
Today, more than 3,000 small contractors like Mr. Enow are providing services to 200, 000 farmers across Cameroon.
"Bee Farming: A lucrative income-Generating Activity"
A bee farming project, initiated by a CAMPROSAM extension officer, has become a key income-generating activity designed to help farmers improve their standard of living. Mr. Ndifon Eric is one of the beneficiaries of this project. By venturing into beekeeping, he has been able to boost his income, diversify his agricultural activities, and improve the overall well-being of his family. The project not only provides financial benefits but also encourages sustainable farming practice in the community.