Cameroon
''Increasing productivity in coffee production in North-West Province''
Productivity in coffee production in Cameroon declined dramatically over the past 20 years. This is partly due to producers lacking access to adequate agricultural extension services. The project's first activities were to establish Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and to train trainers for these FFS in good agricultural practices. A project team was established in partnership with OLAM, one of the few coffee exporters in Cameroon.
Later, project activities will start to include access to credit, certification and organization building. This will all be done in collaboration with Cameroon governmental organizations.
Focus of the project
Improving cultivation and processing practices, certification and the organization of producers.
Activities
- Training trainers
- Training producers
- Developing manuals about good agricultural practices
Results
About five trainers have already been trained in good agricultural practices and in the methodology to facilitate the FFS. In different parts of the project region 20 schools have been organized with highly motivated producers. The first chapters of a manual on good agricultural practices have been handed out to producers, and other chapters are being developed. Coffee producers are already implementing some of their newly acquired knowledge, specifically on pruning their coffee trees.
Partners
OLAM International: www.olamonline.com
Contact information
Austin Kidzeru: austin.kidzeru@e-olam.com
Anirban Deb: anirban@olamnet.com
Map of the region
Project details
|
Promotion of sustainable Arabica Production in North-West Province, Cameroon |
|
| Location |
Bamenda region |
| Products |
Semi-washed Arabica coffee |
| Duration |
2008 - 2013 |
| Elevation |
1200-1800 above sea level |
| Project farms |
500 smallholder producers increasing to about 5,000 by completion of the project |
| Average farm size |
1 hectare |
Results so far
- 7 trainers trained
- 29 Farmer’s Field Schools organised
- Implementation of pruning techniques
Our methods and philosophy
The DE Foundation works to further sustainability in mainstream coffee and tea, working in particular with small-scale producers. In 3-5 years projects we work to improve the quality of their produce, support the implementation of sustainable practices and create market access with better prices.
About DE Foundation
The DE Foundation was established by Sara Lee in 2002 as an independent foundation.The Board comprises of 5 members, all of whom have a passion for sustainability.