A mixed compost heap.

Lebialem Division of the South West Region of Cameroon harbours about 70.000 Cameroonians and some of the endangered plant and animal species. Most of the forest in this area has been cut down through shifting cultivation. This has led to significant loss of habitat and biodiversity. This has also exposed the soils to serious land slides and reduced soil fertility. The low soil fertility has caused the local farmers to continue with shifting cultivation in search for more fertile land. Compost manure usage is a proposed strategy to combat soil degradation.

During this project, a reconnaissance and base line survey will be carried out to organize the local population who will be sensitized on the negative effects of their present farming methods. We shall find out how the farmers manage soil fertility and the type of plant and animal species that have been lost. Environmental awareness campaign will be carried out in schools and villages to let them know the importance of a healthy environment. Participants will be trained on how to prepare compost manure and use it. They will be thought how to make good use of their farm and house hold wastes and their land as a whole through demonstration exercises. The advantage in using compost is it’s environmentally friendliness in saving soil nutrients and water. Its usage will improve yield per hectare and reduce deforestation thus conserving ecosystems and biodiversity.

When the compost will be matured (ready), it will be dried under the sun in preparation for application. Participants will be taught how to apply the compost on any chosen crop of their choice. They will also have a demonstration farm where they will compare manure crops with un manure crops to have first hand information on the benefits of compost. At the end of the training, composting manuals will be distributed to the participants.