Representatives of 42 leaders of farmers organizations in Donga Mantung that have benefitted technical, material and financial support from the Programme for the Consolidation and Sustainability of Family Agro-Pastoral Farms(PCP-ACEFA) have validated the 2020 group analysis publication. The document was validated on June 8, 2022 in the presence of the Divisional Delegate of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, and the Divisional Delegate of Agriculture and Rural Development for Donga Mantung respectively. One of the most thrilling exercises of the day was the presentation of best practices. During the workshop that took place at CEDID Conference hall in Nkambe, participants were given the opportunity to share their field experiences and results achieved in order to permit their peers to capitalize on best practices.
In order to valorise the results so far achieved in the various speculations, emphases were laid on the aspect of the technical itinerary, which resulted to good results, or which necessitate improvement. In this regard, the main focus was on the margins of crop and livestock activities as well as the results of the production system. From the presentations, indicators were rife at that in 2020, ACEFA generated a geometric increase in crop production as well as other two livestock activities (goats and mixed cattle rearing). Analysing the experience shared by the farmers, Tarla Valentine, Coordinator of ACEFA in Donga Mantung Division said that the exercise is very important given that it showcases the agricultural potentials in the Division and shall go a long way to bring various stakeholders closer to the farm families so as to develop fruitful partnership. He added that the exercise will empower farmers and more so, it will develop more adaptable policies that can impact family agriculture positively through strategic sub sectors, given the presence of the references produced. It is worth mentioning that PCP-ACEFA is funded under the debt relieve contract (C2D Funds). The programme started in 2008, with Donga Mantung coming onboard in 2015 and has been in her third phase since 2019. The programme funds projects between FCFA 500.000 and FCFA 6.000.000 to the tune of about 70-85%. Projects which can easily benefit from ACEFA funding include among others, production equipment, tree crop nurseries, production infrastructure, storage facilities, conservation, processing, marketing etc.
Analysis of References
The Family Agro-pastoral Farm Programme was launched in Donga Mantung Division in 2015 with main objectives geared towards improving on the income of the family agro-pastoral enterprises by consolidating and improving agropastoral counselling devices. The programme equally seeks to modernize the production apparatus through the financing of investment projects of producers organizations as well as institutionalize the agro-pastoral counselling system through the creation of an agropastoral agency.
In 2020,out of 42 Family Agro-pastoral Farms, the publication highlighted that 11 farmers (approximately 24%) were involved in goat rearing, with per head range from 02-25 goats making an average of 09 goats per head. In cattle rearing, 15 family agropastoral farms out of 42 were involved in cattle rearing and the per herd range from 3-91 cattle with an average of 77 cows per herd. In crop production, 41 farmers had 66 plots with farm sizes ranging from 0.1 to 1.5ha, giving an average of 0.5ha.
Geometric Increase Recorded
Farmers during the presentations testified that they recorded in increase in production and revenue. The grazers reported that they recorded in average income of FCAF 1.2 million as compared to the FCFA 300.000 they used to have. On the other hand, goat breeders recorded an average income of FCFA 375.000 thanks to the programme. As for the crop farmers, there was a geometric increase in the production of maize associated with other crops like beans, potatoes, cocoyams, sweet potatoes, yam, groundnut etc.
Isa Sale from Binka said from the training he received from ACEFA, he is able to know how much he spends in a year and how much benefits he makes. At first my family used to depend only on maize cultivation and njama njama, but now we have integrated market gardening in our farm. And we have recorded an increase in our family income.
Another fascinating story was that of a young Fulani herdsman who said he was advised by one of his uncles to go into gardening. He said when he started, his friends saw it strange but after 12 years in gardening, he says he is a proud rich farmer. Another farmer told the story how she from her farm, she is able to pay school fees for her kids, pay hospital bills and meet up all the house needs. My farm is my office and it is thanks to ACEFA that I am making huge income from the crops i grow. My annual income ranges between FCFA 200.000 to FCFA 300.000 per season.
However, the socio-political crisis and the humanitarian support from FAO which were distributed in the Division by SHUMAS affected the prices of maize and other food items as rice was given out to families for free. Besides, the report equally revealed some constraints faced by the beneficiary farmers organizations. These problems include no proper control of animals, high mortality rates, poor health measures and the rampant farmer/grazer conflict. It was agreed that in order to mitigate, farmers have to first of all adhere to technical advice, acquire quality seed material or breeds, embark on the development of improved pastures and to seeks the support from the competent services of MINADER and MINEPIA.
