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[/one_third]Farmers in the North West Region of Cameroon who adopted the agroforestry system of farming introduced by Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF), say they are witnessing increase in their farm yields.
One of the farmers, Mr. Ayong Thomas of Kugwe village in the Momo Division adopted this modern farming technique in 2011. He planted over 40,000 seedlings of Acacia, Leucaena and Prunus in two of his farms, and is today reaping the fruit of his labour.
“These trees have acted as biomass and have greatly improved on the soil fertility of my farmland. Because of this, I have increase in farm yields. With the sales from my farm produce, I can support other burning family needs” the farmer said.
The tree species are also of great economic value.
“Acacia and Leucaena are fast growing leguminous trees and are good wood for the kitchen. Today, I can boast of over 100,000 FRS a year as savings from my from fuel wood business” Mr. Ayong testified.
Unlike his ‘ignorant’ neighbours, the Boyo based farmer enjoys good quality fuel wood all year round.
“My neighbours face a lot of difficulties especially during the rainy season to get quality wood. On my part, I have good wood and my wives are very grateful as their kitchens are free from smoke since wood from these trees are very good” he explained.
The agroforestry system of farming was introduced in the North West and other regions of Cameroon in 2007, with support from Trees for the Future, USA, as a way of restoring degradable landscape, ensuring environmental protection and improving on the income of poor resource farmers in Cameroon.
By Payong Marquise
