By Lucas Meers | Program Officer
The success of the agroforestry program has contributed to a noticeable decline in slash and burn agriculture within the Reserve. After a recent trip to Epulu in July, we saw no evidence of farmers expanding beyond the 32 designated agricultural areas and encroaching into the forest. The farmers have noticed an increase in food production of their plots by utilizing the techniques that preserve and lengthen the life of the soils.
Because of the program’s success OCP is looking to expand to Mungbere and Wamba where at least 100 farmers are anxiously waiting to join the program. Expansion to these areas will give us greater coverage that is evenly distributed throughout the Reserve. Building excitement for the program and trust with OCP opens the door to create dialogue about the conservation of the forest and the animals.
The expansion of this program is only possible when areas are secure. The increased guards and patrols in the northern sector of the Reserve have opened up the opportunity to provide the agroforestry programs to that previously unpatrolled area.
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