Project Number: 121-007-1049 ZG

Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Project (SARDEP)

Project Title: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in the Diocese of Buea

Duration: January 2015 – December 2017

Partner: MISEREOR

Overview:

SARDEP was a pioneering initiative implemented by Caritas Diocese of Buea with financial support from MISEREOR. The project aimed to promote sustainable agriculture, improve rural livelihoods, and foster self-reliance among farming communities across four divisions in the South-West Region of Cameroon.

Key Objectives:

Empower smallholder farmers to take control of their development.

Encourage community self-organization and mutual learning.

Improve production systems through sustainable farming practices.

Major Achievements:

33 community groups formed and supported.

26 micro-projects implemented across poultry, goat and fish farming, maize, cassava, and vegetable cultivation, among others.

Over 9,900 community members engaged through 882 meetings.

Adoption of key sustainable techniques: composting, Bokashi, mulching, organic pesticides, and improved livestock breeds.

Establishment of training manuals, fertilization standards, and locally driven monitoring tools.

Recognition and appreciation from community leaders, Caritas Council, and external evaluators.

Impact:

SARDEP significantly boosted household incomes, enhanced food security, and deepened local knowledge of eco-friendly agricultural methods. It also strengthened Caritas Buea’s role as a credible partner for rural development.

External Evaluation Highlight:

“SARDEP is viewed by communities as the real tool to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions… It has achieved impressive results in behavior change, productivity, and sustainability.”