In Western Cameroon, widespread deforestation accompanies the reconversion of the country's economy into a cash economy. This deforestation contributes to the loss of traditionally important foods, medicinal plants and other forest products; land degradation, decline in soil fertility, water availability and pollination promote the bankruptcy of the agroecosystem.
As cash crops do not provide sufficient income, farmers concentrate on the intensive cultivation of basic food products (corn, cassava and yams, etc.). These crops certainly meet dietary needs, but only provide starch-based nutrition, poor in nutrients. The pilot project implemented by EDL ENVIRONMENT in December 2018 in Bangang (located in the Batcham district) in western Cameroon, involved more than 50 farmers in the domestication of trees for the benefit of Agriculture. Today, this project is implemented by more than 100 farmers, whose role is to create nurseries mainly focused on the domestication of wild mango (Irvingia gabonensis), safoutier (Dacryodes edulis) and African caimite (Chrysophyllum albidum) for feeding farmers and creating added value for their daily subsistence.
The domestication of trees has made it possible, on the one hand, to increase the income of farmers, particularly women and children, by 20%. An unexpected positive consequence of this project was the retention of young people in the village and even the return of some from big cities.
On the other hand, these primarily wild species, and their germplasm, are also protected from rampant deforestation in rural areas. Agroforestry today allows soil protection, limits erosion and reduces pressure on wild trees and forests.
Par TATANG BORIS
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