In the far-north east of Cameroon, the degradation and the poor quality of the soil are obstacles in agricultural development. Our crop yields were always low and we were often malnourished. Indeed, because of our weak purchasing power, we were not able to to get chemical fertilisers. A large majority of Cameroonians are unable to master the production process of organic fertilisers.
At CFAJAM, we learn how to produce compost for fertilisation and preserving our farmlands.
Firstly, we dig pits and collect organic materials such as sorghum stems, corn, millet, manure and horse and cow dung. We have them in the pits and we water them twice a week. We then fill these pits (by putting earth back on them) and leave them for 4-6 months: during this time organic matter turns into humus. Afterwards, we empty out the pits and the compost has spread out in the plots of land which are meant for market gardening production (US: truck farming).
By doing this, our farmlands grow well without the use of chemical fertilisers and this produces good crop yields. We are happy that we eat food that we've grown.
Going back to our family tradition, we use these same methods to restore the quality of the soil that they have worked on. Our parents are very happy because the crop yields we get are very good.
We invite young people from the far-north of Cameroon to get trained too at CFAJAM, to contribute to the development of our country.
This English translation has been possible thanks to the PerMondo project: Free translation of website and documents for non-profit organisations. A project managed by Mondo Agit. Translator: Sahoy Cameron-Ellis.