Forestry, Agriculture, Animal and Fishery Network (FAAFNET)

Promoting the development of an economically and environmentally sound ecosystem and improving the livelihood of the population within Mt. Cameroon region and its environs.

FAAFNET (Forestry, Agriculture, Animal and Fishery Network) is apolitical and not-for-profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). This Organisation was founded in December 1997 and recognised under Cameroon Law No. 90/053 of 19th December 1990. FAAFNET was created with a focus on educating local farmers and villagers in maximizing the sustainable usage of their natural resources and the promotion of alternative income generating activities. FAAFNET was approved by the Ministry of Territorial Administration through the Prefectorial Order No. 560/G.37/D.14/1/Vol.T/T/OAPP of 4th August 1998 in Fako Division of the South West Province.

FAAFNET is an umbrella Organisation that comprises of groups and institutions involved in different activities that are related to the conservation of biological diversity, small enterprise development and community development. FAAFNET teaches non-exploitative farming techniques, also helping indigenous peoples improve traditional land usage by introducing new technologies and more up-to-date systems of conservation.

FAAFNET encompasses outreach programmes in the areas of beekeeping, agro-forestry, crop production, livestock and fishery management. The NGO also helps to educate local women’s groups, youth groups, community-based organizations, private institutions, CIGs (Common Initiative Groups), EIGs (Economic Interest Groups) and Cooperatives; supporting leaders and managerial staffs in creating programmes assisting these groups in environmental education, small enterprise development and community development.

FAAFNET also provides resources in making available educational information to environmental groups as well as groups in the field of nutritional health and HIV/AIDS awareness.

This region is endowed with endangered species of flora and fauna. In recent years, there has been rapid increase in the population of the Mount Cameroon region, as a result of healthy climate, fertile volcanic soils, scenic beauty, availability of large tracks of uncultivated land and good access to markets. This region also harbours the Headquarters of Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), the largest Agro-industrial complex in the country with a workforce second in the State (Cameroon) with 16,000 employees. These workers and other dwellers all depend solely on the existing resources around, thereby straining an already overstressed ecosystem. FAFFNET is working in this area in an attempt to alleviate this strain by educating land-users in sustainability.

Our area of operation also includes the Atlantic Oceanic view with beaches and coastal features, which has a variety of endangered aquatic species. This region has of recent been a point of attraction to international interest. The construction of a deep-sea port and other proposed projects around here would also go a long way to add to the already existing environmental problems.

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Our objectives are:

Ø To raise ecological and environmental awareness and stimulate interest on Biodiversity Conservation activities;

Ø To promote alternative income generating/wealth creation activities by encouraging small enterprise development;

Ø To develop and implement participatory approach to forest and wildlife management;

Ø To stimulate and encourage women in realization and acceptance of their responsibilities to the community and to use their occupational capabilities and intelligence to the advantage of others as well as themselves;

Ø To encourage capacity building and institutional strengthening – through training, exchange visits, workshops and seminars;

Ø Enable farmers and women in rural communities get access to modern Information Technology networking and documentation exchange facilities.