MoMo4C: Promoting eco-friendly cocoa farming in East Cameroon

Cocoa provides income for most households in the East Region of Cameroon. However, after years of cocoa farming, local farmers do not make substantial revenue from their trade. Low yields from ageing farms push farmers to clear virgin forest to set up new farms. The debts they incur for chemical pesticides and fertilizers leave them vulnerable to shrewd business people.

“Before the cocoa season starts, we are already in debt to acquire pesticides for our farms. We are often forced to give away our cocoa to pay our debts,” said Boh Pascal, a local farmer in Mboy II village, during a training supported by WWF for local cocoa farmers in Yokadouma Municipality.

To help the farmers increase their production and reduce their heavy dependence on chemicals, WWF through the Mobilizing More for Climate (MoMO4C) has been supporting training for farmers in Ngoyla and Yokadouma, in the East Region of Cameroon.

Over 200 local farmers have so far received training by a local NGO called CIFED with financial support from WWF. They were taught natural farm treatment methods, pest control using bio-products and construction of traditional dryers, to improve cocoa production while reducing destruction of the forest.

“This farm was not producing so well. After the training, I came here and applied the technics I learned; that of clearing off grass, pruning the cocoa tree and regulating shade. The result is this good production,” says Abiam Delphine, cocoa farmer of Biwala I village, pointing to cocoa trees.

“I have noticed great improvement in my yields,” says Boh Pascal another farmer. Abiam and Boh are two of 200 farmers who received the WWF-supported training in Yokadouma and Ngoyla Municipalities. “I am optimistic that my production will triple when I consistently apply the knowledge in my farm,” Boh adds.
For some farmers, it is too early to draw conclusions. “My farm was used as an experimental farm; part of it was treated naturally while I continued with my former methods in the other. Both farms have produced well, so I cannot tell the difference now, says Bandjona Chabrol, a farmer of Ngoyla.

Challenges
As they look forward to increase the quantity and quality of their cocoa, the farmers still face challenges including proper use of pesticides and having credible business partners to buy their cocoa at a good price. “Our biggest challenge is getting credible business partners for our cocoa,” Bandjona said.

Besides cocoa, WWF is working with local actors in TRIDOM Cameroon landscape to promote non-timber forest products value chain and sustainable community forestry.