REVAMPING THE COCOA SECTOR IN EKOMBE BONJI VILLAGE AND ITS ENVIRONS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD IN EKOMBE BONJI SOUTH WEST, REGION

A one day Training Workshop for the project, “Revamping the cocoa sector in Ekombe Bonji village and its environs for sustainable livelihood” was held in Ekombe Bonji of South West Region, Cameroon on the 19 September of 2012. This was followed by disbursement of Equipment, materials and an Oven to the farmers. This Workshop was organized by the Organization for Gender, Civic Engagement and Youth Development (OGCEYOD) which was also sponsored by the German Embassy Cameroon and Agric International Cameroon.  The idea emanated from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) initiative to improve agricultural output in sub-Sahara Africa as well as contribute to rural poverty reduction and rural development by 2015. The workshop was designed to provide technical assistance to 160 farmers in other to regenerate the cocoa sector in Ekombe Bonji for sustainable livelihood. The workshop provided a unique opportunity to bring together farmers with a wide range of age groups (18-80) years. Farmers or participants were able to deepen their personal understanding of the role of cocoa in their livelihood, the importance of good cocoa in the international market, the importance to practice  divers farming (not to be cocoa dependent) and how to manage their finances . The Workshop also introduced a number of new tools, strategies and Processes for addressing the challenges of the cocoa sector in Ekombe Bonji environ. The project had the following objectives; To discuss and present the advantage of the open market system that has been introduced in Cameroon. Taking advantage of the partial liberalization of international trade in agriculture. Secondly, to present a range of frameworks, tools, strategies and processes for addressing issues related to improving cocoa output. Thirdly, to share and discuss examples of good or promising practices in farming to improve cocoa productively. Fourthly, to present and discuss key developments and initiatives in the cocoa sector. Fifthly, to identify priority issues so as to manage financial resources gotten from cocoa sales. Next was to develop action plans to improve coordination and collaboration between farmers e.g. the creation of  Common Initiative Groups (CIGs) and Cooperatives. Finally, to encourage farmers to practice other type of farming rather than cocoa dependence.

The one day workshop was concentrated but productive. Participants explored their own conceptualization in cocoa farming, were participants were given the opportunity to discuss their own experiences, which proved a valuable chance to identify common challenges faced by famers and how to develop strategies and indicators to tackle them. The event was opened by Mr. Fomo Jacob, the Divisional Delegate of Agriculture and Rural Development for Meme Division. In his remarks, he indicated on the fact that cocoa and coffee are precious commodities in this constituency of the country and also a backbone of the nation’s revenue. He spoke about old ovens that were constructed by the government since 2006 and welcomed the new and modern oven that had been donated as a support to farmers by OGCEYOD and partners  and that it should be used wisely. The Delegate also elaborated on some of the new government agenda that farmers can benefit from to improve on their livelihood and standard of living . Some of the agenda he listed were: The importance of the open market that was implemented in Cameroon and how farmers could benefit or take advantage of it. The importance of the creation of CIGs and Cooperatives by cocoa farmers. How these CIGs and Cooperatives could benefit from government subsidies, request for consultants in order to improve on their skills to make good cocoa. While elaborating, he also stressed about the proper use and importance of chemicals to increase cocoa productivity. Finally he thanked the effort made by the stakeholders and declared the training workshop open. The Director of OGCEYOD was introduced, and he spoke about the mission and the vision of OGCEYOD to this part of the country by 2020. He  emphasized about the cooperation among farmers for the proper use and maintenance of the oven. Mr. Wepngong mentioned about the challenges faced by farmers and the effort of OGCEYOD to promote economic growth, poverty reduction and boosting sustainable economic growth and that this training was to teach farmers   innovative strategies to revamp the cocoa sector in Ekombe Bonji Village. At the end of his word, the entire participants lead by The Delegate for Agriculture visited  the site of the oven were a ribbon was been cut for the official opening of the oven to start being operational.  He gave a short speech about the importance and maintenance of the oven for longer sustainability and all returned to the hall for the workshop sessions. The disbursement exercise of equipment and materials started immediately after end of the training exercise. About 160 farmers benefited from this donation exercise equipment. The host, OGCEYOD was warmly thanked by The Sub Divisional Delegate of Agriculture and Rural Development for providing a training workshop and a modern oven for the villagers at Ekombe Bonji Village.

.