Empowering women through the cultivation and commercialisation of Eru in Manyu department of Cameroon

Republic of Cameroon

Amount: € 133,050.00

Overview

The EFOKHOYO (Manyu Network of Women Groups) project aimed to commercialise the cultivation of Eru (a valued non-timber forest product for food) to raise living standards in the Manyu department of the Southwest Province of Cameroon. Women were trained on how to nurture Eru cuttings and seedlings; on the sustainable resource management of Eru farms; on harvesting techniques and in commercial production. Four pilot farms were set up, 50,000 seedlings planted and a “best practice” booklet has been produced and distributed to the communities. Modern equipment for processing the crop has been supplied and agricultural extension workers have been trained in its use. Eru cultivation has resulted in its domestication and considerable reduction of poverty within the communities.

Key results

• The project empowered 295 women and 41 men with skills on how to cultivate Eru cuttings and seedlings, on sustainable management of Eru farms, harvesting and on commercial production. Eru cultivation has resulted in an estimated reduction of 90% in the incidence of poverty within the communities, with at least 160 women having doubled their annual income.
• Four pilot farms were set up and 50,000 seedlings were planted on private farms of participants. A “best practice” booklet was produced and distributed to the communities. 
• The project reached more than 2,000 people during continuous programmes of sensitisation, who were also motivated by the presence of viable, healthy, seedlings at the seed bank and in four nurseries. Modern equipment for processing the crop were supplied and installed and 8 agricultural extension workers were trained in its use.