MELONG, Littoral Region – From July 28th to 29th, 2025, leading organizations in Cameroon’s agricultural sector gathered in Melong for the 20th Edition of the FADER (Formation-Animation-Développement et Ruraux) Meeting. Held under the vital theme, “Strengthening Agroecology in Cameroon,” the event served as a critical platform for advancing sustainable agricultural practices across the nation.

The meeting was spearheaded by Mr. Pierre Ernest Tchinda, the Director of CARITAS Buea and the network’s esteemed coordinator, who led the proceedings alongside a dedicated team of CARITAS staff members.

A Platform for Collaboration and Strategy

The primary objective of the two-day event was to unite organizations actively engaged in agroecology, creating a space for rich dialogue and strategic planning. The agenda focused on several key areas:

• Sharing Field Experiences: Participants exchanged practical insights and lessons learned from their on-the-ground work with farming communities.
• Addressing Common Challenges: The group openly discussed the obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of agroecology, from policy gaps to market access.
• Enhancing Visibility: A central focus was developing actionable strategies to raise the profile of agroecology as a viable and essential solution for food security and environmental health.
• Proposing Effective Solutions: The meeting culminated in the formulation of concrete proposals aimed at overcoming identified challenges and scaling up successful initiatives.

A United Front for Sustainable Agriculture

The event underscored a spirit of partnership, bringing together influential actors from various regions. Key participating organizations included:

• CARITAS Network: As the coordinating body.
• CEFAN Foumban
• CODAS Caritas Bafoussam
• CODAS Caritas Nkongsamba

The presence of these diverse groups ensured that the discussions were comprehensive, reflecting the unique contexts and experiences from different parts of the country.

Looking Forward

The 20th FADER Meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to champion the cause of agroecology. The strategies and solutions developed in Melong will guide the network’s collective efforts to build a more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure future for Cameroon.