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.”