PROMOTING AGRO-ECOLOGY AND IMPROVING THE PRODUCTION AND INCOME OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN Buea 

Caritas of the Diocese of Buea is proud to announce our comprehensive five-year initiative, “Promoting Agro-Ecology and Improving the Production and Income of Rural Households.” This project is dedicated to fostering sustainable agricultural practices that empower local communities, enhance food security, and build lasting resilience.

Our Goal

The central goal of this project is to contribute to the sustainable improvement of livelihoods and strengthen the resilience of rural households throughout the Diocese of Buea. We aim to move families from subsistence to stability, equipping them with the skills and resources to thrive.

Geographical Scope

Our activities will be concentrated across six key zones within the Diocese, ensuring a wide and impactful reach. These zones include:

• Batoke
• Buea
• Limbe
• Muea
• Mutengene
• Tiko

Within these zones, the project will engage with numerous villages and communities, including Njonji, Bakingili, Bova, Bwassa, Mokundange, and many more.

Our Beneficiaries

This project will directly support 630 households, with a special focus on the most vulnerable members of our communities. Our beneficiaries include:

• 210 Fragile Families
• 168 Middle-Income Families
• 150 Families of Primary School Children
• 102 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

Demonstrating our commitment to long-term development, this project builds upon our previous work by continuing to support 331 families (53%) from past programs while welcoming 299 new families (47%) into the Caritas family.

Our Approach: Key Activities

We will implement a holistic strategy focused on education, practical support, and sustainable resource management. Key activities include:

• Training in Agro-Ecology: Farmers will receive intensive training in sustainable techniques, including crop diversification, the use of green manure, crop rotation, zero tillage, mulching, and the production and application of organic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Livestock Management: To diversify family income and nutrition, the project will provide training on efficient livestock management, covering infrastructure, feeding, bio-security, and the use of traditional ethnoveterinary treatments. This is complemented by the direct distribution of animals:
  • 1,496 Fowls
  • 126 Goats
  • 126 Pigs
• Capacity Building for Farmers: We will empower farmers with essential skills in seed selection, identifying and managing common plant diseases, and effective record-keeping to track progress and optimize output.
• Engaging the Next Generation: A unique component of this project involves training and accompanying primary school pupils in the principles of agro-ecology through the establishment and maintenance of school gardens.

This project represents a significant step towards creating a future where rural households in the Diocese of Buea are not only self-sufficient but are also active stewards of an environmentally sustainable world.