FALL - Winter 2022 REPORT
Organization: NETWORK OF AGRIC AND SUSTAINABLE LEADERS FOR AFRICA
(NASLAAFRICA)
NASLAAfrica supports and creates opportunities for youths and communities in Cameroon/Africa to grow healthy food, create jobs, and grow hope by:
• Organizing and hosting periodic workshops (classroom and on-the-farm training) for skills training and new ideas development for youths and farmers in sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and entrepreneurship
• Offering assistance with farm tools, and seeds and promoting a sustainable environment
management.
• improving smallholder farmers’ access to markets
This Annual Report/Review focuses on our ROOT Biz workshop. It is work that is more urgent than ever. The youths and communities we serve faced many challenges in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to disrupt access to agricultural inputs, training, and markets, increasing poverty and hunger for farming families. The ongoing civil war in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon has continued to affect many businesses and schools leading to increase unemployment and challenges.
With your support, we have reached more than 500 youths and small-income farmers across 30 communities in Cameroon, helping them to tackle these challenges head-on and make a decent living from agriculture, while sustainably managing the natural resources around them.
As we write this report in December 2022, the challenges for youths and rural communities continue to escalate as the conflict in Ukraine has caused an increase in food prices in Cameroon.
We are grateful to the many individuals, organizations, faith-based ministries, institutions, and community groups locally and internationally who supported NASLAAfrica in 2022.
Activities or achievements
This section summarizes NASLAAfrica’s achievements in 2022 and outlines our goals for 2023. In the first quarter of 2022, we held an internal team meeting and hosted our first ROOT Biz workshop for the year 2022. This workshop took place in a very remote community of Bessi-formukong in the Mbengwi Subdivision. The workshop was focused on training livestock pig
farmers on organic feed formulation, health management, and marketing. The great strength of our ROOT Biz workshops this year was the recruitment of contract staff and volunteers who serve as resource trainers for these training. In the second and third quarters, we organize two workshops in Bamenda and in Mbengwi on indigenous poultry management and business development and on introduction to permaculture respectively in the above communities. Youths, students, and smallholder farmers from different communities in Cameroon benefited from this program. In Bessi-fomukong village, two farmers were supported with 100kg of compost pig feed.
We carried out 3 follow-up visits to our 15 participants. They all are doing wonderfully in their projects but are limited in similar challenges of lack of some basic tools, limitation in some skills areas, and access to quality seeds, and breeds.
We began arrangements to access land for the YAP center in Mbengwi. Good Feedback on this as of date is that NASLAAfrica has been offered partially donated land for the center. The full cost of the land is 9000 USD, with NASLA going to cover 5000 USD out of this sum.
Our ROOT Biz workshop for the last quarter of the year 2022 was postponed due to insecurity in the community where it was planned to hold.
In agriculture, our programs will continue to support youths and farmers to transition from chemicalized agriculture to sustainable, regenerative livelihoods. Access to quality inputs, tools, skills training opportunities, technology, and information improves income, increases food, and makes livelihoods more resilient.
Our goal for 2023, will be to lunch the Youth Agriculture and Permaculture (YAP) center project which will be a platform for skills training, education, research, permaculture gardens, food security, and demonstration in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and youth employment: We will emphasize the creation of job opportunities for young people throughout the value chain.
Food security: We will reignite youth and community engagement in sustainable agriculture and permaculture
Environment protection and Climate action: We will promote regenerative practices that help to heal the land and will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the resilience and the adaptive capacity of communities to climate change.
Gender equality: We will design our projects to be gender-sensitive and include meaningful outcomes for women’s economic empowerment.
Resilience: We will enhance youth and communities, enterprises, and ecosystems’ ability to mitigate and adapt to shocks.
Once more thanks to all our supporters, sponsors, and partners for your continues partnership toward the vision of NASLA to serve youths and communities.
REPORT ON THE TRAINING OF YOUTHS ON BIOSECURITY MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY
FARM AND RECORD KEEPING ON JUNE 11, 2022:
Types of trainees:
Youths (18-35years old) and / Small-holder farmers
Attendance:
Number of members present: 13 (10 women 3 men)
Persons to contact: Mr.Tendong
Date of meeting: 06/11/2022
Venue of the meeting: City FM radio building, Che Street-Ntarinkon Bamenda
Duration of the meeting in hours:
3hrs and 30mins
Start time 10:40 am
End time: 2:10pm
The theme of the training: BIOSECURITY MANAGEMENT IN A POULTRY FARM AND RECORD
KEEPING
Context and rationale: Within the framework of the NASLAAfrica ROOT Biz program, it was identified that many existing and potential poultry farmers in the Mezam Division had insufficient knowledge of BIOSECURITY MANAGEMENT and RECORD KEEPING, from the problem identified and chosen for animation, a theme was formulated as biosecurity management in a poultry farm and record keeping.
The training session started at 10:40 am with 10 participants together with one volunteer, the CEO of NASLAAfrica, and one Resource trainer in charge of the execution of the training.
The agenda was presented as follows:
A word of prayer was offered by Ibrahim, one of the participants, the CEO of NASLAAfrica Mr. Tendong also gave an opening word where he used this opportunity to welcome everyone present. He also gave a brief introduction about NASLAAfrica and the ROOT Biz program. There was a brief introduction of all participants who were present at the training ground.
Thereafter, the objectives and expected results of the training were presented by the Facilitator which were;
OBJECTIVES:
EXPECTED RESULTS:
Regarding the introduction the subject matter “biosecurity” was defined, stating the types of biosecurity and the importance of biosecurity to a farmer’s production in relation to Poultry Farming. The different disease causal agents (bacterias, fungi, viruses, parasites, environmental diseases, poisoning, etc.) were discussed.
The Participants were made to understand how to prevent and control these diseases. The following points were examined;
The different methods that could be used to identify a sick broiler were also treated with great emphasis being laid on several points (use of sight, observation, changes in behavior, the use of sound, and faces).
Furthermore, some common broiler diseases were examined, their signs and symptoms and route treatments that could be given, and the different ways in which drugs can be administered to the broilers.
To continue the participants were trained on Record keeping where they were thought on:
At the end of the training, a room was given for the participants to ask questions for better understanding and clarification and as well share their experiences. Several questions were posed which were answered detailly with much clarity.
On other matters emphasis was laid on the filling of the management book in relation to the training on biosecurity and its importance.
The workshop ended with refreshments, and group and individual picture taking.
NETWORK OF AGRIC AND SUSTAINABLE LEADERS FOR AFRICA (NASLA)
ROOTBIZ QUARTERLY WORKSHOP – SPRING 2022
Date of training: 04/03/2021
Venue of the training: Bessi-fomukong village, Mbengwi
Duration of the training Start time 10:30 am End time 1:30 pm
Classroom sessions: 2 hours Practical hands-on session: 1hour
Theme of the training: INCREASE SUSTAINABILITY IN PIG PRODUCTION SYSTEMS THROUGH PROPER FEED FORMULATION TECHNIQUES, BIOSECURITY MEASURES AND MARKETING STRATEGIES.
Beneficiaries: Youth, Women Pig Farmers (Producers)
Number of participants: = 50 (30 youths and 20 women)
Contact Persons: Mr. Tendong, NASLA Founder/Director / Ms. Zie, Program Manager
Context and rationale: Within the framework of the NASLAAfrica ROOTBIZ capacity building program, it was identified that pig producers (farmers) in Bessi-fomukong village in Mbengwi Subdivision lack sufficient knowledge of feed formulation, biosecurity measures, and the various marketing strategies to sell their produce, from the problem identified and chosen for animation, a theme was formulated as: INCREASE SUSTAINABILITY IN PIG PRODUCTION SYSTEMS THROUGH PROPER FEED FORMULATION TECHNIQUES, BIOSECURITY MEASURES AND MARKETING STRATEGIES with objectives;
Objectives: To share ideas, and experiences and improve farmers’ knowledge of feed formulation techniques, biosecurity measures, and good marketing strategies for sustainability.
(types of locally adaptable breed, type of feed, feed ingredients, method of mixing (tools), method of storage, frequency of feeding, frequency of cleaning pigsty house, vaccination/treatment, and marketing strategies).
The training session started at 10:00 am with 42 participants present together with two trainers, and two volunteers in charge of the execution of the training.
The workshop agenda was presented as follows:
Arrival and registration of participants
Welcome by the project coordinator
Objectives and expected results
Presentation of NASLA Africa and the ROOT Biz Program
Presentation of the program of the workshop
Introduction of participants
Training proper
Introduction to feed formulation for pigs
Nutrients
Ingredients
Balance feed
Level of inclusion of feed ingredients
Feed formula
Introduction on biosecurity
Causal agents of diseases in pigs
Prevention and control of diseases in pigs
How to identify sick animals
Some common diseases in pigs
Drug administration
Marketing strategies
Questions and answers
Practical Demonstration of feed formulation
Closing remarks
A word of prayer was offered by Mr. Tendong who used this opportunity to welcome everyone. There was a brief introduction of all participants who were present at the training ground.
Thereafter, the objectives and expected results of the training were presented by the Ms. Zie which were the following:
OBJECTIVES:
1. To ensure proper feed formulation techniques
2. To ensure timely intervention in addressing minor animal health concerns.
3. To improve on the know-how of pig farmers in fostering sustainable livestock production activities.
4. Ensure a remarkable increase in both quantity and quality of pigs
5. Train pig farmers on the appropriate techniques for identifying sick animals
6. Train pig farmers on the handling of animal health instruments and drugs.
7. To create awareness about good marketing opportunities and strengthen farmers' knowledge of effective marketing strategies.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
1. Pig farmers to possess a better knowledge of the formulation of animal feed
2. Pig farmers to possess a better knowledge of animal health and identification of sick animals
3. Pig farmers to possess a better knowledge of various pig common diseases, their signs, symptoms, and drugs of choice for curative purposes.
4. Pig farmers to possess better knowledge to prevent disease/infection from entering their farms and spread of infection within the farm
5. Pig farmers to possess a better knowledge of how to sell their pigs
In the introduction of the subject matter terms related to feed formulation was defined, and “biosecurity” was also defined, stating the different types of feed ingredients, different types of biosecurity, and the importance of a balanced feed and biosecurity to a farmer’s production in relation to pig farming. The different disease causal agents (bacterias, fungi, viruses, parasites, environmental diseases, poisoning, etc.) were discussed.
Furthermore, the farmers (producers) were explained the:
use of the main raw materials for feed formulation from their farms' notion of nutrients, ingredients, balanced feed
use of any feed formula to come out with a balanced feed
principles of preventing animal disease attack
Practices, preventive measures,(offensive and defensive)
different techniques to market their pigs
Different methods that could be used to identify a sick pig were also treated with great emphasis being laid on several points (use of sight, observation, changes in behavior, use of smell, use of touch, the use of sound).
To add, some common animal diseases were examined their signs and symptoms and route treatments that could be given, and the different ways in which drugs can be administered to animals with great warnings that it is very risky for farmers to use administration by injection.
In the session on marketing strategies, farmers were sensitized to 5 basic marketing channels to sell their produce locally and regionally. They were also trained on the 3 main Ps of marketing (Price, Promotion, and People) that can easily be adapted and practiced in their environment while encouraging the farmers on the importance of good community relationships (people relationships) to boost their marketing.
At the end of the training, the room was given to the producers to ask questions for better understanding and clarification. Several questions were posed which were answered. The training ended at 1:30 am with refreshments and departure.
Links:
REPORT ON: A ONE-DAY TRAINING WORKSHOP
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Date: 28/11/2021
Community: Mbengwi Subdivision, North West Region, Cameroon
Venue: Presbyterian Church Hall, Bessi-Fomukong
Main objective: To raise awareness and improve youths/farmers’ knowledge on the importance of sustainable agriculture as a bridge to food security, poverty alleviation, and climate/environmental sustainability.
Introduction
Live Empowerment Credit (LEC) in collaboration with the Network of Agric and Sustainable Leaders for Africa (NASLA) organized a one-day training workshop designed to raise awareness and address the importance of sustainable agriculture to youths and rural farmers as a bridge to food security, poverty alleviation and climate/environmental sustainability in Mbengwi subdivision, Cameroon. The workshop sessions were facilitated by the trainers: Tendong Denis (NASLA CEO), Tamugri (LEC Coordinator).
The problem:
More than 75% of rural Cameroonians are subsistence farmers. Due to the population pressure, high demand for healthy food, and the scarcity of quality productive farmlands, many farmers use marginalized land which leads to much lower yields. For over the years, many, especially the youths have had a very negative mindset about agriculture, and so many continue to run to urban cities and even foreign nations in search of jobs. While some have resolved to the use of chemical fertilizers to boost production, others are clearing forest and natural lands to cultivate more farmland, which has exacerbated environmental degradation and climate change. If this problem is not solved in the next few years, farmers will not be able to produce enough food to feed their families, will have cleared most natural forests which is a risk to the environment and many youths will continue to populate the cities which have limited opportunities to content all, hence increase risk of many social ills.
Specific objectives
The training seeks to empower and improve youths and farmers knowledge on:
Expected outcome
The expected outcomes for the training workshop were:
Participants
The training targeted 30 participants of the Bessi-Fomukong Community including men, women, and youths. Many community members expressed the desire to attend this training but due to covid-19 restrictions, only 30 persons were accepted to ensure social distancing during the training.
Annex
Training activities
Activities carried out during training were both appropriate and effective in meeting the needs of beneficiaries and the objectives of the program. However, the program was designed with the goal of enabling farmers to get appropriate skills, information on sustainable agriculture and how it will help secure food, increase income and livelihood.
Setting training norms:
The participants were asked to participate in setting training norms and the following were agreed on:
Training methods
Presentations, Interactive and participatory training methods were applied in the one-day training workshop. The following methods were used in the workshop:
Lecture and presentation by the trainers
The major training contents prepared by the trainer’s team were presented by trainers through verbal communication. No written notes were distributed since the majority of participants were unable to read.
Topics
Sustainable agriculture
During this session, the participants shared the agricultural production and management systems in the community, different agricultural product marketing, problems, and challenges facing the agricultural system. On the other hand, they were empowered on what sustainable agriculture is all about and why they all need to adapt to sustainable farming practices in order to help boost their income, healthy food, the health of the environment, and community growth.
Environmental protection and climate action:
In this session, the participants were educated about climate change and how some of the poor agricultural systems and practices help destroy the planet causing climate change and health challenges to increase poverty. Educating and encouraging the participants to be climate resilient actors.
Growing vegetables/crops, rearing of livestock
This session aimed at letting the participants learn the effective ways and socio-economic advantages of growing vegetables/crops such as tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, water leaves, eggplant, okra, lix, lettuce, celery, cabbages, cassava, sweet potatoes, cocoyam, etc. By taking account of land preparation, soil conditions, irrigation systems, seed sowing, and seed rate, transplanting, manure, and proper harvesting techniques. Livestock such as goats, rabbits, chickens, and pigs and their economic benefits.
Agribusiness:
This session was aimed at building a business mindset in the participants. They were introduced to the importance of having a business plan and taking stock of their farms and the need to recruit labor as they grow.
Conclusion and recommendation
In general, there was a strong sense of appreciation articulated by the participants about being invited for the training. Participants were very engaged and enthusiastic about what they learned about sustainable agriculture, they highlighted that agriculture is their lifeline in food security and livelihood, they urged that future training be done often and should include more practical classes. Participants responded very positively throughout the training and expressed a strong desire to enhance their skills in sustainable agriculture.
Live empowerment credit also appreciated NASLA CEO for bringing his professionalism and life skills in community workshops, and his better mastery of local language to facilitate easy learning. They also recommend more practical skills and field visits from NASLA and requested the expansion of agricultural assistance to the participants to help boast their involvement and growth.
Closing
The training was concluded and closed by LECcoordinator who thanked all the participants for their participation, she also thanked NASLA CEO for his facilitation, which was successful and satisfactory, she was followed by some of the participants who gave their concluding remarks, they promise that they will put into practice what they have learned diligently in their day to day lives and work especially on basics of agricultural practice, growing vegetables/crops.
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