Organic Farming Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

Project Background: The Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon are seriously affected by food crises, poverty and other humanitarian issues caused by the sociopolitical conflict between the government military forces and non-governmental armed groups (NAGs). The ongoing conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of women, children, young adults and men, rendering them homeless with no access to education, medical facilities, or jobs, and additionally leaving them vulnerable to ongoing criminal attacks. Moreover, the growing humanitarian needs have been enhanced by the COVID-19 outbreak, affecting the entire territory of Cameroon, especially young people who are also disproportionately victims of abuse.

About the Applying Organization

Mbiame New Vision Multipurpose Farming and Development Association is a registered, Youth-Led nonprofit in Cameroon. It was created by determined and committed young men and women with a shared vision for community development and humanitarian response. Mbiame New Vision gained its legal status in 2013 on intensification and optimization of organic production, environmental protection, and access to organic local, regional, and international markets in areas in Cameroon. Mbiame New Vision exists to champion and empower young people, women and adolescent girls with education centered around organic farming. Mbiame New Vision simultaneously seeks to encourage civic engagement especially in women and youth demographics. We believe unconditionally in the rights of young people, women and adolescent girls to self-expression, equal opportunities and, most importantly, access to education and job placement. Furthermore, we believe in the importance of education as a universal tool not only to improve and protect the lives of women, but also to increase the global productive capacity. We endeavor to achieve solutions to the chronic issues of poverty and hunger through self-sufficient communities centered around organic farming. Our students will be taught systems for farming that feed themselves, their families, and generate revenue for their community, while also healing and regenerating the earth. The productivity of these communities will enable the most vulnerable populations of Cameroon to establish independence and safety with organic farming entrepreneurship. Our sustainable organic farming methods also protect the environment and conserve natural resources.

The conflict in Cameroon has left large areas of land uninhabited and unused after many villages were evacuated or destroyed. Mbiame New Vision will directly address food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness with education and food self-sufficiency. We are asking for agricultural grants and funds that will allow us to reclaim abandoned land, rebuild our communities to include education centers and farming hamlets, and heal each other and the earth.

Project Activities: This project aims to empower 2000 young people and the formation of one hundred (100) farming initiatives for marginalized people affected by the Covid-19 and the prolonged civil conflict in the English speaking regions of Cameroon, through organic farming and entrepreneurship training on profitable organic agriculture and seed support to start micro farm businesses that can support them and their families.

This project will be realized through capacity building seminars/ workshops, hands on training and assistance with seed capital to start up sustainable farm ideas. The project will cover one hundred (100) farming initiatives in the Northwest and West Regions of Cameroon including most of the villages hosting the mbororo minority group, women and young people who have been displaced and are depending on others or soliciting assistance for survival.

This project shall run in three phases each year: from orientation to the training proper and monitoring and evaluation. The beneficiaries shall receive farm tools and seeds.

Beneficiaries: Two thousand (2000) young people and women in the Northwest and West Region of Cameroon.

Project Duration/ Time Frame (estimate) 5years

Number of Anticipated Direct Beneficiaries: Two thousand (2000) Young people and women from disadvantaged communities

Number of Anticipated Indirect Beneficiaries: 22000 Children, ageing population and people with disabilities.

Project Sustainability

The project is estimated to last for Five (5) year after which beneficiaries will have organic food self-sufficiency as more organic food shall be grown.

Successful creation of one hundred (100) organic agric businesses

3. The success of this project will provide an avenue to extend and expand the benefits through another project to other communities.

4. Steady market will be provided for all the organic products produced.

5. There will be a well-established focal point helpline for consultancy, guidance and counseling to the beneficiaries.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) relative to this project:

2. Zero Hunger

1. No Poverty

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

13. Climate Action

3. Good Health and Well Being

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

Focus SDG for your project: Zero Hunger

Current Projects

In order to achieve the objectives of Mbiame New Vision, there have been several programs to make a difference in the lives that they touch. It is no secret that humanity is in need of more support than currently given: the need to not only support, but to also educate society to be self-sustaining is imperative.

The projects that Mbiame New Vision have developed address multiple issues such as: relieving poverty & hunger, empowering women and children, community teaching and training facilities and many creative educational projects that will empower the youth in Cameroon and around the world to make conscious decisions for the future of humankind, honoring living creatures and learning about sustainable practices for creating a healthy environment.

From July 2022 through July 2023 Mbiame New Vision will be focused on a total of 2 regions in Cameroon: Northwest and West regions. There will be a budget for: Central office, communications, operations and stockroom, 4 (Four) teaching and training staff, an office manager and Executive Director. Travel expenses, all printed materials are to be done on eco-friendly paper.

Expectations:

Weekly updates on activities

Photographing all activities with date included in photo name

Outreaching to local media with updates

Monthly expenses spreadsheet

All receipts are to be kept and photographed and send in with monthly spreadsheet

There will be two (2) teams of two (2) people who will be responsible for getting home gardens started, distribution of materials, and training community members. Posting all activities on the Facebook page with photos and experience.