EcoNorCam Project: FODER Assesses Implementation Progress

The project, Ecosysteme du Nord Cameroun, EcoNorCam: Vers une approche intégrée du paysage (North Cameroon Ecosystem, EcoNorCam: Towards an integrated landscape management), is due to end in December 2024. The project is located in and around Benue National Park in Benue Division of the North Region. But covers Benue and Mayo Rey Divisions in the North Region. EcoNorCam runs from January 2021-December 2024 and is financed by the European Union. 

Multi-stakeholder, Partner Project
It is implemented by a consortium of three Non-governmental Organisations. They are the Wildlife Conservation Society, WCS, le Centre pour l’Environnement et le Développement, CED and Forêts et Développement Rural, FODER association. 

Routine Monitoring, Evaluation 
As part of its tradition of regular project monitoring and evaluation, a delegation from FODER head office in Yaounde led by Laurence Wete Soh, is in the North Region from September 24, 2023-October 7, 2023. The main mission objectives are to assess the progress of the project for the period March 28, 2023-September 22, 2023. And to document key results for the production of content to increase project impact.

Big Literacy Gains 
“Big progress has been made. In March 2023, functional adult literacy classes had begun only three months back. One of the constraints in the North Region, especially in the project zone, was the very high level of illiteracy amongst female project beneficiaries. This made it difficult for them to appropriate project practices,” the head of FODER mission, Laurence Wete Soh, commented after field visits from September 25-30, 2023. 

Getting Set For FSLC
“But this time around, we discovered how much progress learners have made, especially in the end-of-year examinations. We also discussed the request by some learners to sit the First School Leaving Certificate, FSLC examination in the 2023-2024 academic year. We highly appreciate the fact that female project beneficiaries, in addition to their home and farm chores, create time to attend classes,” Laurence stated. 

Need For Second Project Phase 
“We believe this is only a pilot phase. Many project activities have been undertaken which require strengthening for sustainability. We hope the different partners and donor will give FODER the opportunity to build on EcoNorCam’s achievements by extending it. Apart from the food security component, other aspects of the project need to be given time to build on the gains,” she added. 

7 Farmers’ Cooperatives Now Functional
According to the project head for EcoNorCam/FODER, Bonné Guisatta, much has been achieved. “After sensitising, mobilising and training community farmers, we have been able to set up 7 duly registered, functional farmers’ cooperatives. The cooperatives are putting into practice the different improved, agro-ecological farming methods such as zai, compost manure, bio-pesticides, terracing, etc,” Guisatta disclosed. 

Every Subdivision Represented 
“The 7 cooperatives are based in 7 different communities in three subdivisions - Ouro André and Agorma in Lagdo Subdivision; Banda and Dobga in Tchollire Subdivision, and Mboukma, Pani and Larki in Rey Bouba Subdivision. All of them in Benue and Mayo Rey Divisions of the North Region. These groups serve as intermediaries to their communities by spreading the knowledge and skills they have acquired from the project,” he said. 

300 Hectares Restored 
“We have so far restored about 300 hectares of degraded land, using compost manure, and to some extent, agro-forestry. The 300 hectares belong to the 7 cooperatives and the individual farms of cooperative members. Meanwhile, the putting in place of farmers’ cooperatives is going on gradually. This year, three other cooperatives will be set up, giving a total of 10 cooperatives in the 10 communities we work,” Guisatta announced with a broad smile of fulfilment. 

Improved Firesides, Less Fuel Wood
“EcoNorCam has constructed about 1,500 improved firesides in homes in the project area. The firesides are co...