Partners For Productivity Foundation (PFPF)

PFPF is advocating for positive change by connecting local people to knowledge, experiences and resources to help them build a better sustainable life. That is fighting against hunger and poverty in rural communities of Southwest province of Cameroon, with pilot projects in Kupe-Muanenguba Division.

Background PFPF was created in 1998 with headquarters in Bangem and went operational in 2001. It is an indigenous conservation and development association operating in the southwest province with major pilot project in Kupe-Muanenguba. It is established to improve the quality of life of the local communities and to conserve biodiversity. PFPF aims to sensitize and work with rural communities in their self-help activities by taking into consideration relevant socio-cultural and ecological aspects to guarantee a sustainable development. Main activities include training and support services in agricultural extension activities, soil conservation and agro-forestry.

Vision: Sustainable life for all.

Goal: To sensitize and work with the rural communities in their self help activities by taking into consideration relevant social and ecological aspects to guarantee a sustainable development. Drawing strength from our experience, we promote innovative solutions and advocates for self-help development as community responsibility. We promote lasting change for improvement by: - By strengthening capacity for self-help - Assisting to improve economic opportunity of the less privileged - By influencing policy decisions at grassroots.

Approach • Empowerment: we work to empower the people, communities and CBO with whom we work by strengthening their capacity for self-help. • Partnership: We work in partnership with our partners in order to maximize our impact • Commitments to learning: We are actively learning so that our work builds up skills, knowledge and understanding gained from experience.

Objectives • Achieving food security: • Support to Rural livelihoods: • Improvement of natural resource management. • Promotion of women’s empowerment.

Activities • Service delivery. We define services to be provided and do so in consultation wit beneficiaries • Resources mobilization. We mobilize resources at an individual or collective level (human, financial, or physical) these include production activities to generate resources • Research and innovation. These are activities aimed at better understanding of and create or test new ways of responding to, needs and problems affecting society in general or individuals or groups within it. • Human resources development. Our activities are focusing on building capacities and skills of disadvantaged people or communities. • Public information, education and advocacy. We are mobilizing public awareness, campaigns and advocating for change or reforms at grassroots

Target groups • Young people • Women • Unemployed • People lacking skills • Indigenous people • The poor people and those with disabilities

Geographical focus Geographical areas and communities such as those affected by • Change in physical environment • Marginalized due to remoteness • Poor access to resources • Economic change • Natural disasters

Key programmes focus 1) Innovative field base work - Enhancement of sustainable agriculture and livestock development - Participatory conservation and sustainable natural resources management Programmes. - Crosscutting issues involves mainstreaming gender in sustainable project management, reproductive health and HIV issues, and natural resources base conflict mitigation 2) Resource base development: - Establishment of an integrated demo and seed multiplication farm - Camp and Resources centre - PFPF is open to volunteer service

Achievements • We have been able to organize 20 self help groups with legal status obtained and are involved in diverse farming activities, • We have been able to link 5 self help groups to resources by developing micro projects, • We have planted over 5000 seedlings of agro-forestry tree species, • Established a central nursery for indigenous trees with four plant species • Establishing an integrated demonstration and seed multiplication farm that is becoming a veritable capacity building centre, • Training and support services in bee keeping, honey production, agricultural extension activities, soil conservation and agro forestry have given to over 40 individual farmers, 30 household families and over 1000 people are affected directly or indirectly. • PFPF works in partnership with other organisations in two major networks (WHINCONET and SWECSON) on community forest management, eco-tourism, forestation and reforestation. • Winner of 2006 years Jihde prize on conservation work in Cameroon • iLEAP USA international Faculty Member

Eco-tourist and research potential 1. Bemeh and Ngole Mountains / Bemeh Rockface Environmental • The top of the rockface is a potentially extremely unique ecosystem. It is imperative that a survey of the ecosystem is carried out. • The top of the rockface may be a very fragile environment and this must be considered if tours are to visit there – how the impact can be minimised (no rubbish, limited time spent, no camping, maximum number at one time, stay on a path etc) Contact Earthwatch (stayed on the mountain) to discuss the ecosystem. • Potential degradation when climbing the rockface. • Animals in the area: Chimpanzee, Red-eared Monkey, Preuss’ Monkey, Putty-nosed Monkey, Bush pig, Porcupine, Deer, Grass Cutter. • Plant species: Garcinia spp, Voacanga africana (medicinal), Kola spp, Mahogany • Local hunting of bush meat must be addressed and made sustainable to the environment. Tourist potential • The site is highly unique. • The site can entertain visitors from half a day to 3 days. • There are possibilities of home stay and camping. • There is running water but no electricity. • There is a small waterfall that can be cleared and used for bathing. • Accommodation is currently basic but clean with squat toilets. • There are local handicrafts – basket weaving and woodcarving. • Traditional dances can be performed and traditional drums can be played. • The locals are very friendly and welcoming. • Potential fees are high (separate costs for treks and accommodation). • There is potential to develop a variety of activities – treks, climbing the rockface, cooking lessons, visits to waterfalls, bird watching.

2. Lake Beme Environmental • Lake Beme is the richest freshwater site (relative to surface area) for fish species in the world, with nine endemic species of cichilid. • Other notable wildlife in the area includes Porcupine, Pangolin, Chimpanzee, Gorillas, Bush Pig, Deer, Hares, Grass Cutters and a number of Birds of Prey that circle the lake. It is likely there are also other monkey species. The lake is believed to be inhabited by alligators (these are rarely seen and pose little threat to the tourists; however it is important to tell the tourists not to visit the lake at night as a precaution). • Local hunting of bush meat must be addressed and made sustainable to the environment. • The area also has plans for clearing large amounts of land for to be used for coco production, or rubber plantations. It is important to monitor the progress of this proposal and if it goes ahead it is extremely important to make sure the area cleared is done with as little impact as possible to the forest ecosystem. It would be ideal to find a more environmentally sustainable alternative source of income for the community. Tourist potential • The site can entertain tourists from half a day to about 3 days. • There are possibilities of home stay and camping. • There is running water but no electricity. • There is a small waterfall around the lake. • Accommodation is currently basic but clean with squat toilets. • The locals are friendly and welcoming. • There is potential to develop a variety of activities – treks, cooking lessons, visits to waterfalls, bird watching, fishing, rafting, coco production tours. • The current fees are 5,000Francs per person to visit the lake and 10,000Francs to swim in the lake. This fee is high but this includes accommodation and food for the duration of the stay. Research potential • The research potential is very high and this can be seen by a number of researchers already having visited the area. It is important to have a different pricing system for researchers who will be staying for long term. • Chimpanzees and Gorillas in the area will also be a draw for researchers and conservationists.

3. Muanenguba Twin Lakes Environmental Importance • The Twin Lakes, the caldera itself and the forest leading to the caldera are all known to be ecologically important. • The land is however threatened by certain agricultural methods carried out by the inhabitants in the caldera, such as grass burning and cattle grazing. It is important to work with these communities to ensure the minimum impact from these activities is inflicted on the environment. This is a big issue that must be addressed by the Council, Mborroro communities and NGOs so that we can work together to find a solution that suits all parties. • The newly built benches have inadvertently caused a build up in rubbish at the Female Lake’s edge. This either needs to be cleared regularly or one or two rubbish bins installed (however this may increase the level of rubbish being deposited and MUST be cleared regularly.

Touristic Potential • The site is already established as a tourist site due to the high aesthetic value of the area. • The environment, crater lakes in grassland vegetation, is unique for the South West Province. • The site is suitable for both day visits and longer stays. However accommodation facilities for tourists are currently limiting stay duration. • It is possible to stay in a small traditional hut on the plain above the lake (5,000Francs per night, firewood and water provided). There are also two traditional huts by the Female lakes edge, which can be used as shelters but are in too bad a condition to be used as accommodation. • Price of camping? • It is also possible to set up home-stay with the local Mborroro community however this is currently not well established and is set up ad hoc. • Toilet facilities around the lake are in the form of a basic squat toilet. • Catering is sometimes available at the lakes however the frequency is irregular. • Fees for the lake • There is a lot of potential for further tourist activities once at the lake, e.g. guiding, horse riding, fishing (see future development later).

Volunteering: PFPF is open to volunteer services in assisting to evaluate extension programmes, help plan small projects for local communities, and help to carry out feasibility studies and socio-economic surveys. Basically the staffs of PFPF as of now are made up of volunteers, with just two permanent support staff. Currently, PFPF has volunteer opportunities in Kupe-Muanenguba Division with its administrative head quarters in Bangem. It is a place where you can still see natural forest with high biodiversity, the Muanenguba Mountain and twin Muanenguba lakes with a strong cultural value attached to it by the Bakossi people. There is pipe borne water, hospital, electricity and mobile telephone network. Linked by earth road from Nkongsamba via Melong in Littoral province 40 Km and Kumba via Tombel 100Km. Volunteer guidelines

We appreciate your services as a PFPF volunteer. At PFPF, the volunteers work is a necessary part of our existence, not an afterthought. Your services have an impact on our output as a young organization with barely few years of existence. By giving love hands and work without payment, we look forward to collaborating with you. This volunteer program is intended to provide practical and hands-on experience for individuals interested in making an environmental contribution to the global community at large while focusing on a very special part of the world: Cameroon and Kupe-Muanenguba Division.

Resources:  Resort center (10 lodging rooms each with water system toilet and bed, documentation unit with books, cottage pharmacy and general office space with 1 computers)  An integrated demonstration and seed multiplication farm now being transformed into a community service canter for integrated agricultural vocational training program called PFPF-TRED Center  Village home stay

Fees: A non-refundable fee of £50 is paid to secure placement (Cheque / Money order / Bank transfer) on request. The application fee is deducted from the total programme fee. 1 month - £70, 2 month - £140, 4 month - £260, 6 month - £400, 12 month - £700

PFPF responsibility  Meet the volunteer from the airport on arrival in country and accompany them to their place of residence.  Cover all work-related expenses, and provide accommodation options to the volunteer during their placement.  Support and assist the volunteer throughout their placement both professionally and personally.  Option to take care of feeding

Volunteer responsibility  Payment of volunteer fees.  Acquire a visa and arrange for travel, contact the Cameroonian embassy in your country  Provide for Police Check certificate upon arrival.  Option to take care of feeding  Cover the cost of their living expenses, other than any benefits provided above.  Remain in their placement for the duration of the term specified.  Not cause unnecessary offence and distress to the people of the communities in which they live and work.  Be responsible for their health, safety and insurance.

How to Apply: Direct all inquiries to the executive Director Partners For Productivity Foundation (PFPF) PO Box 28 Bangem, Kupe-Muanenguba Division, South West Province, Cameroon. Tel: 00237 777 77216 00237 9794 7799 E-mail: pfpf_ngo@yahoo.com Links ARI graduate outreach, Asian Rural Institute, Rural leaders training centre 442-1 Tsukinokizawa, Nasushiobara, Tochigi-ken 329-2703 Japan Tel: 81-287-36-3111 Fax: 81-287-37-5833 E-mail: recruitment@ari-edu.org

J.B Hoover ILEAP P O Box 31842 Seattle, wa 98103 USA Tel/Fax: (206) 774 0671 E-mail: john.b.hoover@gmail.com Website: www.ileap.us

WHINCONET P O Box 5150, Bamenda North West Province, Cameroon Tel: 00237 771 56 51 E-mail: whinconet@yahoo.com