Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
“I was on the verge of giving up,” says Josephine, a local farmer from Malaba, a locality in Campo Sub Division. “Manual labour was exhausting.” But Josephine’s fortunes changed when the women of AFRiSC Campo came up with the idea of the agro-ecology trade fair.
“The idea is to reinforce the capacities of Campo women in their agricultural productions,” says Kengmo Fouego Maria Clarissa, Project Assistant at Green development Advocate (GDA).
“The community located in a forest zone is deprived of natural products from the forests. That’s the reason we stepped in.”
Green Development Advocate has been supporting the women of Campo in their agricultural strides thanks to assistance from partners like the French Embassy of Cameroon; the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA); Land is Life; and Synchronicity.
“If we can now boast of good farming practices, it is thanks to GDA,” Josephine told News Upfront.
The second edition of the agro-ecology trade fair organized by AFRiSC Campo took place on December 12 – 13, 2024 at the esplanade of Government Primary School Campo. It was placed on the theme “women and youths as keepers of seeds and actors of transformation of agriculture system”.
“I am very happy for I didn’t expect what i saw here today,” says Mengue Medjo Marlyse Nadège, President of AFRiSC Campo.
“It means the essential was done, information was passed and the women have understood”.
AFRiSC Campo’s President praised partners like GDA for supporting women farmers. “We’re grateful for your trust in our resilience,” she said adding that “those who were not present here should know that campo women are now very active in all fronts”.
The fair brought together farmers, suppliers, and experts, offering training sessions and innovative solutions.
“Before this fair, we attended a 3 day training where we were trained on how to produce agricultural products,” says Philomen, one of the exhibitors of the fair who is specialized in smoked fish production.
The 2-day event fostered connections among farmers, suppliers, and experts, promoted sustainable agriculture practices, and enhanced community engagement.
“The fair connected me with suppliers for quality farm produce,” says Emmanuel, a visitor at the trade fair.
The Delegate for Agriculture in Campo, Bekono Belinga Béni, commended the women’s determination, saying, “Your efforts inspire hope for Cameroon’s agricultural future”.
“We are happy as the farmers were active in the organization of the fair, they are now picking up interest in agriculture, and I encourage them.”
Gift of growth
During the second edition of the trade fair, the women of AFRiSC Campo received vital equipment to enhance their harvests and livelihoods. The tools for transformation were provided by Green Development Advocate.
Amongst the numerous equipment were agric – sprayers donated to AFRiSC Campo women to help them treat farm produce, buckets that will serve for farming activities, peeling machines, and grinding machines in transformation.
“We can’t thank GDA enough for these gifts,” the president of AFRiSC Campo said.
The thank you message was accompanied by a plea for partners to try and lobby for a bridge over the Ntem River, which is a vital road for the distribution of farm produces.
If access to good roads is an issue, human – wildlife conflict is another where animals continue to destroy farm produces. The delegate for agriculture however assured the public that the government is working on solutions.
AFRiSC Campo’s agro ecology trade fair demonstrated the power of community-driven initiatives. With continued partnerships and support, Campo farmers like Josephine and Philomen will overcome challenges, thrive, and inspire a brighter agricultural future.
Worth noting is the fact that over 500 farmers attended the fair, where local businesses showcased agricultural products. GDA committed to providing ongoing technical support.
