Fighting extreme poverty and hunger and enhancing natural resources are three of the nine targets of the Millennium Development Goals of Cameroon. Following the increase in the population of 2,8% and the increase of prices for food, improving food security in rural area is a major issue. To reach these goals Cameroon has to train farmers on sustainable techniques of agriculture while protecting environment to better livelihood in rural areas. In that way, the Resource Centre of the Twantoh Mixed Farming Common Initiative Group (MIFACIG) Reg. No. NW/GP/01/95/777 UNDER LAW No. 92/006 of 14/08/1992 and its Decree of application No. 92/455/PM of 23/11/1992.of Njinikejem – Belo, North-West Region of Cameroon, was created and bounded by this vision.
MIFACIG, a community broad based Organisation (CBO) for sustainable development and environmental protection through diversified agro forestry activities initiated a training centre in the area of agro forestry and natural resource management, which has now developed into a resource centre. The centre provides a sound and enabling environment for learning for farmers, extension agents and students. Our mission is «Sharing trees and plants that serve life» Thus a link between the community, research institutions and development agencies in the area of information and technology transfer.
MIFACIG has four main goals which are completely bounded all-together:-
Food production and Alleviation of rural poverty, Protection and conservation of the environmentTraining of farmers and young people, Health care to rural vulnerable children
Protection and conservation of the environment
MIFACIG area of coverage falls within the Ijim mountain forest. The Ijim forest is a very vulnerable forest and its resources have been over-exploited in the past. Now, local farmers have realised the importance of protecting its natural biodiversity in order to protect very valuable endemic species and to keep the ecosystem safe for flora and fauna (Tauraco bannerman, Platysteira liticincta). The forest is also the watershed for the valley: therefore protecting its vegetative layer is a major issue for farmers of the Belo-division, Boyo Division.
Trainings of farmers and young people
After having developed structures as the nursery, the medicinal plants garden, it became obvious that trainings was the next priority of MIFACIG: Training people and children, is the main way of sustainable development as it empowers farmers and lead them to develop their activities as an enterprise. «Sharing trees and plants that serve life» is really important, but among everything: sharing knowledge that serves life could be the new motto of MIFACIG.
Health care to rural children in Cameroon
About 15.000 children in Boyo Division in North West Region of Cameroon do not have basic health care availability. They keep on suffering and these leads to poor growth development, diseases infection, and frequent deaths. MIFACIG is working on a health program for vulnerable children. MIFACIG is initiating a project proposal on providing health care to poor rural children.
Thus, MIFACIG has been involved in training and supporting farmers groups on sustainable livelihood activities, such as:-
Organic vegetables production, Soil fertility improvement, Beekeeping, Growing of fruit trees in their farming systems, Supporting horticultural activities in schools,
Promoting Eco-tourism assisting in the Development of community water sheds and community forests,Promoting Land rights for women in Boyo Division,Promoting Literacy and HIV/AIDS concepts
In these regards, we hope that your expertise and able hand of fellowship shall lead us to achieving our goals of poverty reduction through the development and sustainable management of natural resources.
We accept your partnership or support in the following areas:
- Enterprise Development for farmers on non-timber forest products
- Orphans and venerable children support projects
- Land rights advocacy for women
- Literacy training programme
- Food and nutrition Trainings
- Watershed protection in communities,
- Community Tree nursery establishment and Tree planting,
- Apiary development for bee keeping
- Horticultural activities with youths in primary and secondary schools
- Eco-tourism facility development