Handicrafts and Appropriate Technology in Cameroon

BUST Honours Dr. Norbert Pintsch

2011-10-20T08:36:00.000+05:00

It was the sixth convocation of the Bamenda University of Science and Technology. The air was full, everyone was alert as the College of Professors and Doctors filled past to the ceremonial grounds.

It all began with an ecumenical service conducted by the Muslim , Presbyterian , Catholic and Baptist clergy. The grandaunts were called upon to have trust in God because their graduating today is because they had their trust in God. And that God who had empowered them this far will continue to empower them to the end.

Speaking on behalf of the University of Buea, with whom BUST has affiliations, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. V.K. Titanji told the Administration and graduates that UB will always keep its promises within the rules regulating higher education in Cameroon and that BUST has become one of the best higher institutions. Even despite the odds, BUST has effectively maintained the ideals of its founding father Rt Hon. John Ngu Foncha. Prof. Titanji revealed that BUST and UB signed a partnership in 2004 and UB is expected to always mentor BUST and present the later students at state examinations. For this reason, Diplomas are printed abroad to ensure higher quality. Prof. Titanji also stressed that the students graduating have received solid training and have received the stringent measures as stated by higher education Minister.

The Vice Chancellor of BUST Prof. Joseph B. Suh also noted that BUST has a long standing affiliation with UB that inter-alia guarantees their degrees, diplomas and certificates. He noted that BUST was graduating over 200 new lawyers and in twelve years of her existence has produced a total of 630 graduates. He equally stated that the issue of BUST is not numbers per sec but quality which remains their overriding and burning passion. Prof. Suh was also delighted to announce that their August visitor and benefactor over the years, Professor Doctor Norbert Pintsch of Free University Berlin, Germany was present and slated to be the proud recipient of BUST honorary degree which they will kindly bestow in recognition of his many contributions I the field of Appropriate Technology in Cameroon in general and the North West Region in particular.

The high point of the graduation was the award of an honorary Doctorate Degree to Prof. Norbert Pintsch the German born architect. The Vice Chancellor rose cap and addressed the Chancellor “Mr. Chancellor, candidate has been nominated by the Board of Governors of I n d u s t r i a l Development and Education Company (INDECO) for the honorary Doctorate Degree of Science and has been found worthy by the Senate.

Therefore, call upon the Dean of Post graduate studies to present the candidate Prof. Pintsch was presented and the Chancellor rose and received him saying “By the authority conferred on me, I confer on you the honorary degree of Doctors of Science”.

It was then that the Vice Chancellor assisted the Chancellor to rose and cap Prof. Pintsch. Before dressing up Prof. Pintsch, this is what the Vice Chancellor Prof. Suh said of Prof. Pintsch. Our candidate for the award of the first Bust Honorary Doctor of Science was born in Germany in the 1940’s. He is a professional architect who completed a building project at the age of 18, but later became a mud enthusiast by choice.

He is Norbert Pintsch, a remarkable global actor, as you would soon learn from his education and excerpt of his professional profile. Given that our candidate does not like publicity, may I refer you to what many have written and published about him on the web. I will therefore be very brief.

Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch earned three master’s degree in Civil engineering, Architecture and Business Administration and two Ph. D. degrees respectively, in History of Arts from the University of Maryland, USA and in Philosophy - Sociology from the Germany University of Hagen. He was an outstanding Professor and Teacher at the Free University, Berlin.

His work profile reveals that he got into high steel construction from 1962-1965 and later combined research, lecturing, consultancy and national development plans, project design and building projects in his own country. Since 1973, he has worked on 133 different projects in Europe. He extended his global outreach to Pakistan, Cameroon and Columbia as a volunteer director in appropriate technology. In fact, he was one of the first leaders in mud architecture; a great resource which focuses on architectural construction with a variety of mud forms.

One of the best starting points for Prof. Dr. Pintsch is the mud building that stands in the Peerzada Festival area, the Green Acre of Lahore in Pakistan. Professor Dr. Pintsch had his first contact with BUST in 1995 and has since then, maintained regular visits to the institution. Since 2001, Professor Pintsch has also worked very closely with CAT-Cameroon, an appropriate technology centre in Bamenda. The main thrust of his current efforts combine self help projects with NGO concepts and university programs. From this, one can now understand the significance and potential gain from this BUST award. Like the late Founding Chairman of INDECO Ltd, His Right Honorable Dr. John Ngu Foncha, Prof. Pintsch holds that “It is essential to teach and encourage students to practice construction with local materials”.

Some of Prof. Dr. Pintsch’s work on appropriate technology includes working with children to evaluate the effects of climate change, building agricultural driers from solar energy, preparing small biogas units, building solar water heaters, constructing dry closet toilets, constructing wind mills and figuring out how to use appropriate technology to assess traffic data. These are all technological applications which are very useful to Cameroonians in general and the rural Cameroonian in particular. Consequently, BUST with the assistance of Prof. Dr. Pintsch is ready to start a school of Appropriate Technology during the 2012-2013 academic year. This will enable, not only Cameroonians but all young men and women within the Sub Region to be trained in the different appropriate technologies, in order that the products of such trainings can be made available to more users. Our Right Honorable Chancellor Sir, this is a very brief profile of your Doctoral Candidate. Prof. Pintsch is quite ready to start a school of Appropriate Technology at BUST with the collaboration of Centre for Appropriate Technology, CAT Cameroon. Prof. Pintsch has been working with CAT Cameroon for over 15 years.

Shortly after the honorary recognition, Prof. Pintsch went back to the Head Office of CAT Cameroon where students of CRTV Youth Forum were receiving lectures on Appropriate Technology. Over the years, CAT Cameroon has been collaborating with schools, organizing free passive solar active technology training workshops for students. It has also been organizing open days or public exhibitions on some Appropriate Technologies as solutions to climate change and adaptation. During such, some site attractions like cooking, baking, drying, boiling, lighting with solar energy have often taken pride of place. It should be noted that the Director and CEO of CAT Cameroon, have made CAT to excel in the field of Appropriate Technology with a ten year experience.
Impressions from Life Time Newspaper where this article appeared first.

Royal Home Alahkie Mankon

2011-10-18T09:14:00.000+05:00

Heifer International Cameroon Assisted Farmers

2011-10-03T08:40:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

Some 16 employees of a US based organization Elanco, which over the years has supported Heifer international projects around the world have appreciated Heifer International Cameroon assisted farmers for improving their lives and communities in the Bafut, Bamendakwe and Santa villages in the North West Region of Cameroon. The team which was in Cameroon from May 22-31, 011 to learn more about Heifer assisted projects and their impact on the lives of the people and to share their expertise took their study tour trip to the private homes of the assisted farm families and to their common initiative groups.

In the homes of the assisted farm families the team came face to face with the realities of managing, feeding and marketing livestock by these assisted families. The beneficiary farm families used the golden opportunity to show their guests property bought with income from the marketing of animals and surplus food crops. The farm families also indicated and proved how compost from the animals was improving the soil quality of their farm field. In moving testimonies these famers almost brought to tears by joy, related how their love story with Heifer international Cameroon started and how the benefits of their respective projects had helped them to educate their children, renovate their homes, paid for hospital bills and to get new house hold equipment. In the Mbei Santa community a widow named Olivia Befuh a member of the Mbei Struggling Widows Common Initiative group with some 45 members explained in high spirits how most of them did not feel the dead of their husbands as the Heifer international Cameroon donated livestock and trainings gave them the most necessary support to educate and feed their families. At the Bamendakwe, community a farm family overwhelmingly prided in respecting the Heifer international traditional action of honor of Pass on the Gift of new animal off spring to another needy family in the group to help expand the gift of love and care. Most of these farm families also grappled with words with which to thank Heifer international donors in the US.

Working sessions with the common initiative groups provided space for the study tour team to listen to the challenges of the farmers and their plans for the future. While providing solutions to some of the worries poised by the groups, the team was elated with the fulfillment in the groups brought alive by songs and dance and the innovative styles of the leaders to improve on the dynamic management of their groups as well as their responsibilities in other community social groups.

Speaking to the Heifer international Cameroon assisted groups, the leader of the Elanco study tour team Grady Bishop appreciated the farmers and their common initiative groups for using their livestock to meet their needs. “We are separated by distance but the benefits and feeling for animals is the same” Bishop said. The farmers were called upon to stay focused and to continuously give hope to one another. “We have been given a great gift--- that’s what HPI has done in your lives and we will tell your powerful stories back in the US” Bishop concluded. The international study tour team also took time off to visit some touristic sites and to savor the rich North West traditional music.

Cameroon Impressions

2011-09-30T11:17:00.000+05:00

Cameroon Impressions: Housing-Material-Traditional Appropriate Technology

Cameroon Colors

2011-09-27T08:50:00.000+05:00

Dolls Stall

2011-09-26T11:23:00.000+05:00

Cheap calls to Africa

2011-09-24T09:49:00.001+05:00

Billions of people are using mobile phone and handheld wireless devices worldwide. Over 67% of the world population owns a mobile phone making it the largest consumed electronic device in human history and rest are using landlines. People have come to embrace the mobile and landline telephones as an extension to their everyday lives. This growth has given pace to better and efficient communication. One wonders how people lived without such easy communication.

Given the nature of my work, I am a heavy mobile phone user. I have to make frequent international calls. I am always to lookout for better connectivity at cheaper rates. I was looking for cheap calls to Africa when I came upon Rebtel - a leading (and second largest in the world) VOIP company that offers cheap international calling from mobile and landline phones in more than than 50 countries to call anywhere in the world for just pennies per minute. There are no monthly fees, or hidden costs to use Rebtel. In addition, they also offer collect calls, PC to Phone calls, international SMS.

Award winner, Rebtel is ideal for travelers, international students, expats and just about anyone who need to call back home to keep close contact with their loved ones. Rebtel is safe, convenient, and flexible way to managing your spending on international phone calls. Which is why the Rebtel services stand out and is growing fast?

Best thing is their international calling rates. Have a look and learn how Rebtel offers cheap call rates to as much as 196 destinations around the world. Also have a look at the Rebtel countries to learn how you can you talk more with your loved ones.

Rebtel is neatly laid out and information rich site. Have a look at what their satisfied customers have been saying about them and it will help you make informed decision to save on your each international call.

Cameroon NGO and Culture

2011-09-24T08:29:00.000+05:00

Most NGOs fall into one of two types: those with a focus on social problems such as AIDS awareness, condom distribution, and street children; and ethnic development associations that link urban migrants with their home villages, build hospitals, schools, and bridges "back home," and organize urban ethnic festivals. Ethnic associations often are organized as rotating credit associations, building on a long tradition of mutual aid in both rural and urban areas. They reflect the increasing importance of ethnicity in national and local politics.

Read more on Culture of Cameroon - traditional, history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social, dress, marriage, men, life, wedding, tribe, population, and religion.

Snail farming

2011-09-23T14:19:00.000+05:00

Guardian post international

Recently, snail farming has become affordable for the thousands of poor farm families living in the fringes of cities in Cameroon. Snail rearing involves cheap labors and a fresh opportunity is enabling farmers to save these endangered animal species from extinction. Eating snails for meals had long been associated with certain tribes in Cameroon. Consumers prefer snail meat to beef, pork and other regular sources of protein because they are, very nutritious, lean meat, low cholesterol, [provide] a lot of energy and will be prescribed to nursing mothers and malnourished children as affordable source of protein. Snails which were once scavenged in the bushes for food and incomes are now reared in homes. The use of pesticides in many plantation farms across Cameroon is blamed on the decrease in snail production reason why Heifer Cameroon initiated a home base production scheme for the farm families. Today a scarcity in production has precipitated a need to match supply with demand. The development organization Heifer Cameroon has been working with some communities across the south west, littoral and western regions of Cameroon to support the rearing and marketing of snails as part of its efforts to end hunger and unsustainable land use systems in Cameroon.

Dr. Henry Njakoi, a Veterinary doctor and Heifer’s Country Director in Cameroon, says it’s thanks to existing Snail farming technology in neighboring countries, the farmers already have some knowledge of their own to contribute to the effort. So his organization is concentrating on other aspects of training farm families to produce snails, how to create a conducive habitat, provide nutrition, and promote good health and reproduction. “When you provide the right conditions, they actually do multiply and get ready for the market,”Dr, Njakoi explains. Since village farmers lack refrigeration facilities, Heifer International Cameroon teaches other methods of preservation.

Heifer International Cameroon is also involved in the mentoring of farm families on integrated Agriculture. During this rigorous capacity building workshops the farmers are motivated with food crop seeds and farm inputs as a Heifer International Cameroon gift to enable them put their new skills into action. These seeds provide food crops for the farmers as well as feed for the animals they rear. In areas where the farm families have only starch to eat the snail meat provide a source of alternative income and protein for the families, thereby enabling them to afford a balance diet. Many farmer common initiative groups have benefitted from these initiatives to boast their community snail farming projects. The impact has being positive change that has reverberated through these groups in to their homes. Some are still negotiating with the development organization to benefit from their assistance, while others are in the first face of enjoying the largesse.

Pauline Boni Nkenfac 43, is a highly spirited woman. Pauline lives with her husband and ten children in the town of Melong in the littoral region. Pauline is a female tradi-practitioner who before receiving training on snail rearing and processing from Heifer Cameroon through Groupe d’Initiative Commune Promotrice in 2007 had very limited knowledge of how to keep snails. Heifer Cameroon’s gifts of 1500 adult snails to Pauline and group members after a mentoring training helped, to develop her insatiable appetite for her healing feat. Rearing snail’s enhanced the woman’s ability to use the snail by-products for the treatment of headache, stomach disorder, eye defects, back pain, ears problems and dizziness. Pauline demonstrating how she administered treatment narrated “Burn the (shells) in the hot fire to make it dry, grind on a stone to ensure it turns in to powder form, and at this point mix with palm oil for the treatment of stomach ache and back pain, repeat this as many times as possible” she said. Pauline makes a monthly income of 120$ from the treatment of patients in her community and beoynd with snail by products Pauline has also prescribed a meal of snail meat as a panacea to attract good sleep for those who suffer from lack of sleep or dizziness in her community. Today Pauline is a source of inspiration to other women and men in her community. Agnes Epite a mother of five kids live in the outskirt of kumba, in the south west region of Cameroon. Like almost every woman in her community received a medical doctor’s advice to eat snail meat during pregnancy and after being delivered of her bouncing baby had this to say “I ate snail meat and had a lot of strength and delivered of my baby safely unlike in the past when I endured a lot of pain during labor”. Many farmers who suffer from dehydration as a result of ill health consume snails meat as a means to regain their strength.

Josiah Egbe is a tall handsome dark man referred to in his community as “Tanyi” (father of twin) within the snail farming project in Cameroon, Josiah is a special case because out of passion he started his project before help came his way from Heifer Cameroon . Josiah his wife and five children live in Ekona village some 10km from Buea in the coast of Cameroon. After the Heifer Cameroon assistance to Josiah through his Nchemty palms farmer group. His sense of bravery in keeping to good management snow balled to a victory. In a year he was keeping 5000 snails. “If you don’t keep snails you cannot understand their habits”. He said. His untiring quest to continuously sustain the income and nutritional level of his family caused the farmer to inculcate a gender perspective to his project. Working as a couple motivated the family financially to give seriousness to their snail project. I’m really glad for what I have become” Josiah said putting up his routine smile. The farmer’s family feeds well and a balance diet has reduced their medical expenses over the years. From the project Josiah has sourced income to renovate his house and to educate his kids. The farmer by his village standards is a wealthy man.

An aluminium pot is a very precious asset for women in jungle village of Kake 11 in the south west region of Cameroon. After benefiting from Heifer Cameroon training and motivation in 2009 Mbah Bridget one of the 20 women in Ambitious Women’s Common Initiative Group started her own farm. Gradually it expanded. She was able to take herself and family out of poverty. “All of us through the sale of snails bought precious utensils and aluminium pots, the ownership has given us recognition as other women come to borrow from us” Some 16 members of her group have earned 120$ from the sale of snails. The income has enabled them to pay school bills for 42 children and to complement their meals with snail protein meat. At Pendamboko village some 67km from Douala in Cameroon Groupe d’Initiative Commune Dynamique with 15 farm families had sold snails for 500$. This income enabled them to sponsor their children at different levels in schools and to provide medical assistance, to their love ones. Most of these group members are saving money in loan and shrift schemes “njangi”for rainy days. This project has not only rekindled the pride of these women but has given them a voice in development. Most of them are now in leadership positions championing the fight against poverty in their community.

In the Melong community the snails’ project is providing a steady supply of meat and income for the 14 members of Groupe d’Initiative Commune Promotrice “I sold over 4buckets of snails at 35$ and used the income to secure better treatment for my ill health” one of group members Meshinjou Lucia said. The project is also helping the group to recreate their environment. “We are planting trees on our farms to attract the animal” Pauline Boni said. More importantly the trees not only protect their environment but are fertilizing their farms for good food crop production. Joseph Wamba member of the same group thinks. Today influential in all areas of development the common initiative group has set some priorities for their community “we are also involve in educating our community on the effects of HIV and AIDS and the farming of plantain and cocoyam feed for snails ” Sydony Njuemtsop of the group said. These members have undergone HIV and AIDS voluntary counseling and testing and are proud to be all healthy. Their healthy status has rekindled their desire not only to campaign for an HIV and AIDS free Melong but to abstain from sexual immorality.

Nchemty palm farmers group in Ekona around the coast of Cameroon farms snails in a unique free range garden system. This method permit’s the animals to move from one place to the next in the garden in which food crops are grown and plants propagated unlike with other farmer organizations “With much concentration in our garden we constructed a snail village” Robert the president said. Tourist came from far and near, paying money to see the experiences of the group. The group has sold over 20,000 snails at 1000$ in the last four years. “This income has helped us to do a lot for our group families”. One of the group members Martin who built a new house recently with financial support from his group said with excitement.

While Wamba Joseph alias Massa Yo feels that income from the sale of snails has boasted the self esteem of many farmers across Cameroon in West Africa who are delighted to tell their story of self reliant, expectations are high for the members of Rural Agro Friends in Bachuo Akagbe in the south west region of cameroon awaiting support from Heifer Cameroon. The group hopes that the snail farming development project will enable them keep their children in school and afford their basic needs. Their daring desire is to re-enrol 28 children, belonging to group members who had withdrawn from school due to limited resources and to construct new houses for themselves. Ako Eyong Dianna, 16 and Ako Laurantine, 11 are orphans only dreaming of education in the remote village of Bachou. “I had an accident in my leg that left me hospitalized for two months; all the money for my education was used on medical bills, since then, I have not been able to go to school because we have not recovered from the financial shock, each day I see children go to school I cannot help but cry”. Diana lamented. The children have faced endless challenges but their hopes are clued to the snail project as they await help from the development organization.

Etta Sophie Ebob 53, a single mother with nine has faced agonizing and painful moments trying to make ends meet in the mfuni countryside some 38KM from Mamfe town in the coast of Cameroon. Sophie has gone in to the collection of snails as a self help initiative before her group is offered training and food aid. She is already dreaming of the day when her group will enjoy the benefits of the project.”In July 2010, I was sick of typhoid; had no money to go to hospital. I gathered some herbs, made a concoction, drank and felt much better. I yearn for when Heifer Cameroon will aid our project, this will enable me source enough cash to take proper care my health and that of my children and grand children”. Sophie wished. The lady has also endured it all living a large family in a grass roof thatch hut. Longing to expand and refurbish her “house” Sophie believes that the assistance will be the very essence for their survival, either in providing income for school bills or three meals for their table.

In the Littoral Region of Cameroon members of Groupe d’Initiative Commune Paysans Halieuk have prepared themselves in readiness for their snail project to be supported, “Due to the high demand for snail meat and its scarcity we hope to rear it to ameliorate our income levels” Nkanche Daniel president of the group said. After Heifer Cameroon’s introductory phase to the group, project members have collected 50 snails each as part of their contributions to the success of the project. “If we have good material to build good houses for the snails, the expansion will be rapid” one member prayed. According Teckwango Jean Paul, rearing snails will reduce the risk their children face when poaching the animal at night in the near by bushes and forest. “Our children use to go out in the nights in search of snails; if we are assisted to keep them at home that will be good for us”. Jean Paul hopes that their children will save time reading their books and concentrating on their studies and that will improve on their performance in school.

In the farmers groups awaiting the Heifer Cameroon largess they is a common appealed “All of us in this group are asking for the trust and confidence of Heifer International Cameroon and her partners to help us, because with our full commitment and determination we can succeed in the snail farming project”.

Heifer’s Country Director in Cameroon, Dr Njakoi is encouraging farmers to contact Heifer International Cameroon, which also supports the development of animals in the local farming system, like pigs, goats and sheep for assistance. According to Dr, Njakoi all that is required to benefit from Heifer’s support is a strong demonstration of interest. He says individuals are welcome, but groups work better.

Aaron Kaah

Cameroon Health

2011-09-22T14:19:00.000+05:00

Maternal mortality remains very high in Cameroon ; the number of women who die while giving birth is estimated at 9000 per year, according to figures released Friday by the Department of Public Health.

“These figures are still high, and the objective of the Cameroonian authorities is to reduce them at least by two thirds by 2015”, said the Minister of Health Andre Mama Fouda.

As a prelude to the celebration on May 8 of the African Day of maternal and infant mortality reduction, the Cameroonian authorities focused on awareness, especially as according to studies, many women die during child birth for lack of adequate monitoring during pregnancy.

Medical sources also indicate that there are still women who reach their ninth month of pregnancy without any pre-natal consultation.

The causes of death were varied, although direct obstetric consequences which constitute 75 percent of deaths were related to hemorrhage (bleeding), complications of unsafe abortions (arterial and convulsive hypertension), infections and obstructed labor.

Results from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) show that maternal mortality follows an evolutionary curve of about 2 percent, moving from 6,000 deaths in 1998 to7, 500 in 2004 and 9000 deaths in 2010. [Via]

Cameroon Calling

2011-09-21T23:46:00.000+05:00

Women in Cameroon

2011-09-21T12:24:00.000+05:00

Cameroon Wetlands

2011-09-20T19:20:00.001+05:00

Lake Chad is the remnant of a much larger lake known as Mega-Chad which 22,000 years ago drained a greener Sahara and was three times the size of Lake Victoria, now Africa's largest lake, WWF noted.

"It is now the focal point of life in a huge expanse of arid Sahelian Africa. Technically best described as an inland delta, the new internationally protected wetland covers 2.6 million hectares vital to countless birds as well as endangered otters, gazelles and elephants. The Lake is also home to hippopotamuses and Nile Crocodiles."

Lake Chad basin is home to over 20 million people with the majority dependent on the lake and other wetlands for their fishing, hunting, farming and grazing. But the basin is recognized as highly challenged by climate change, desertification and unsustainable management of water resources and fisheries, according to WWF.

Lake Chad to be fully protected as international wetlands, read at National Geographic.

Garage openers

2011-09-14T13:47:00.000+05:00

How you want your garage door to open? Thanks to advances in technology that now you can do it automatically through remote control. What a convenience? Have a look at D&M Garage Doors and see what is on the offer. Buy garage openers and get remotes when you purchase a new electric opener for free. They also offer electronic keypad openers that can also open and close your garage door, just by putting in a secret security code. You can choose from three different types of electric garage openers: Belt drive, Chain drive and Screw drive.

D & M Garage Doors screw drive garage openers are specially engineered to run smoothly and quietly, even in extreme temperatures. The one-piece solid steel rail reduces friction, and the electronic thermostat adjusts and increases force as it gets colder, delivering superior performance, whatever the temperature. Have a look at the site and learn more about what type of garage door opener meets your needs. Better still try one of them.

Cane Rats

2011-09-13T19:02:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

The joy that characterized the honey moon of Nkemacha John 45, and wife Nkemacha Marie 34, did not last beyond the delivery of their first daughter. Time weathered out their compassion -at best leaving John only with the law to hand to the wife and five children. (One boy and four girls) Ndobegang Solange 19, Ndobegang Elise 16, Ndobegang Jeannette 13, Ndobegang Sergio 10, and Ndobegang Abelta (11months).When Send A Cow/ Heifer International Cameroon assisted Marie through Groupe d’Initiative Commune les Debrouillards de Ndobo under a cane rat project, the family uncovered it, s destiny– at the outskirt of the Douala metropolis in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. The first fruit of the assistance was love and sharing among the couple.

Before the Send A Cow and Heifer International Cameroon assistance, Marie her husband John were leaving a cat and mouse life. “We were in disorder in fact nothing was going” the woman said at the time. John was an absentee husband and cared little about any one. In 2006 Marie and John joined Groupe d’Initiative Commune les Débrouillard de Ndobo. That same year the 16 group members applied to Heifer International Cameroon for assistance in cane rat production. In 2008, Send A Cow/ Heifer International Cameroon retained the group for assistance. Training sessions on group dynamics, integrated agriculture, leadership, HIV and AIDS, sensitization on gender equity as well as record keeping took place in preparation for the placement of cane rats. At the end of the training each farm family was given 4cane rats, improved seeds and farm tools.

For the Nkamacha’s the best option was to concentrate on the Gender Equity knowledge. “The immediate impact of this project was the remarkable improvement in working relation with my husband; our children were aware of our difficulties and greatly cooperate with us. With our determination and the full participation of our children, we witnessed a boost in food crop and vegetable production; from 200 to 400kg of maize, from 60 to 150 kilograms of okra and 632kg of huckleberry on the same piece of land’ Marie said..

This gender campaign helped the couple to give their children maximum attention and Marie regretted having shunned her children’s education in the hands of the husband. “The situation is no longer the same” she said. By meticulously following the gender equity lessons John and Marie managed their little savings with love and trust and was able to afford their children schools needs on time. This reflected in their performance in school. “Ndobegang Sergio who repeated class five in the promotion examinations took the third position for promotion into class six” Marie admitted with smiles.

Her daughter Nbobegang Solange particularly happy with Send A Cow/ Heifer Cameroon contribution to their lives said, “My mother completed my registration fees in college last year with project proceeds. When she sold okra worth 15,000FCFA ($33.5) after consultations with my father she completed the fees. This was not the case before this project. This cane rat project brought more serenity in our home”. The girl was also proud that the mother could dialogue with the father freely unlike in the past. Marie and her Husband led by example and were not hesitant to carry out domestic chores together when necessary. This motivated the children to put in their best in the family farm fields and home chores. This sense of cooperation according to Solange brought to the family joy, peace and order. Marie’s health complications once brought in by social stress was abated. The love maximized the income of the family.

The family ate a balance diet on regular bases. The Nkenmacha’s have taken pride to pass on the gift of knowledge to their other farm families in the community who envy their status. “I counseled my friend Ashu Catherine who succeeded in resolving her marital problems with her husband. Now they live happily” Marie explained elatedly. Today with love for one another, the Nkemacha’s success record in their community is unparalleled and their wish to Send A Cow and Heifer International Cameroon had been simple but solid “God bless the hands that changed our lives and family” they prayed.

At the Project Side

2011-08-14T09:53:00.000+05:00

Preparation for the Project

2011-07-26T09:43:00.000+05:00

The Project Side

2011-07-26T09:38:00.000+05:00

Work in Progress

2011-07-26T09:35:00.000+05:00

King Simon Leshy at the Site

2011-07-26T09:22:00.000+05:00

Main Entrance Royal University Centre Alah-Mankon Bamenda

2011-07-26T09:19:00.000+05:00

Road to development

2011-07-26T09:08:00.000+05:00

Find friends

2011-07-19T08:50:00.000+05:00

I have seen a cultural shift in my own life time. There used to be different ways to meet and to know each other. Advent of the Internet and collaborative technologies has changed those ways we meet and know each other. What used to happen face to face can now be done online. The terms like friendship and being social are taking on a whole new meaning.

In this age of fast communication, most people in the world are looking for friends on the Internet. This surely is true for those who have integrated the Internet into their lives and are looking for suitable online hangouts or chat rooms. This has given birth to sites and Internet chat services. Now there are different Internet chat rooms, each with their own niche, style, features, costs and requirements.

iMeetzu.com is one of the best websites that allows you to meet and chat with strangers online, similar to Omegle and Chatroulette. However, iMeetzu.com also adds a social network so that users can save their favorite new friends. Like many others, I have been paying attention to chat sites. iMeetzu.com is a very vibrant community. Have a look who all are there. May be you find some likeminded people to hangout with.

Honorary Doctor of Science

2011-07-19T08:49:00.000+05:00

Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch has been working tirelessly on Appropriate Technology in Cameroon, Pakistan and elsewhere.

I have the fortune to be familiar with Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch’s work in Technical Transfer and Training Center (TTTC) for Men in remoe Pakistani Village Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka, Mud Housing Project at Lahore and also what he has been doing to promote African energy through the use of solar energy with the meaningful and active cooperation with Senior Expect Service (SES) Bonn-Germany and Society for the Advancement of Culture (DGFK) Berlin Germany as solutions to Climate Change and adaptation.

Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch has experience with no less than 133 projects since 1976 and each one of them has made a visible difference in more than one ways.

To recognize the work of Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch, the Senate of the Bamenda University of Science and Technology (BUST) on the Nomination of Board of Governors of Industrial and Educational Development Company (INDECO) Ltd have conferred upon Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch the Honorary Title of Doctor of Science with all the Rights and Previleges Thereto Pertaining in Recognation of his tangible Services to the Cause of Appropriate Technology on Feb 19, 2011.

Big congratulations Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch.

Also at Light Within

About Product Impex

2011-07-18T09:53:00.000+05:00

At Product Impex, we work with dedication to help our clients throughout the world to realize the full potential of what we do better. Everything we do reflects this vision that makes it possible. Our mission is to provide one stop shop for range of products in different areas.

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Towels from Pakistan

2011-07-08T12:40:00.000+05:00

We are all so familiar with towel – basically a piece of absorbent fabric for drying or wiping. It draws moisture through direct contact, often using a blotting or a rubbing motion. Common household textile towels are made from cotton mostly or a few other materials. But cotton towels are the best.

Based on their diverse usage, there are different types of towels - bath towel, beach towel, foot towel, hand towel, Oven towel, disposable towel, show towel, sports towel, sweat towel or gym towel, flannel wash cloth, washcloth, or face cloth, wet towel , microfiber towel, cloth towel dispenser or continuous cloth towel , sanitary towel or sanitary napkin a bar towel and much more.

This hand piece of cotton is also used for purposes other than drying things. You can think of any use of this closely held personal item in any situation. That is what has made a household item. We at Product Impex specialize in all kind of towels from any material and in any size, style or color. Have a look at our display here and see what we offer and how. In addition, approach us and tell us your own unique towel requirement and we will help you with choose what suites you the best and deliver exactly what you want in your own settings.

Related: Product Impex Blog

Farming for future

2011-06-23T19:00:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

The gift of a dairy cow can change the life of a family. Lukong Cyprian was a proud recipient of a Heifer Cameroon pregnant purebred Holstein dairy cow through his Dzekwa multipurpose farmer’s society in 1997. The animal transformed not only the dreams of Cyprian in to a reality but those of his loved ones, the widows and orphans he helps provide milk for, and the many boys he employs to works on his farm fields for an income at the Vekovi village in Jakiri sub division, Some 85KM from Bamenda, the capital of the North West Region in Cameroon of West Africa. Today Cyprian is a fulfilled husband, a model farmer and social entrepreneur.

Before benefiting the assistance in livestock training and donation, Cyprian, his wife Relindis and four children, lived in a mud brick three room houses with dirt floors, a licking roof and with limited house hold equipment. “We used the seating room as our kitchen” Cyprian recalled. Like every one in the village they farmed for a living with hoes and cutlasses. In search of change Cyprian and his friend Philip Sahwai decided to form the Dzekwa Multipurpose farmer’s society but did not have the skills or motivation needed to brave the poverty storms. “I was doing completely nothing at that time” he said at the time. To provide for her family Cyprian’s wife Relindis hustled the best she could - buying and selling gari (cassava by-product) to feed her family through long distant villages. Cyprians attempts to fight poverty saw him applying for a teaching job as a contract teacher in 1991 on a minimal salary of 12$US a month. “Life for me and my family was senseless” Cyprian cried at the time. His mother was battling a life threatening stomach problem, his children were suffering from malnutrition-lack of school needs and painfully without any means to afford medication, epilepsy was eating the life of one of their kids. In the late 1992 Cyprian and his friend Philip, the two pioneer members of Dzekwa Multipurpose farmer’s society heard of Heifer Cameroon and contacted them for assistance. In 1993 Heifer Cameroon responded positively. The first step involved the farmers being trained on rabbit management. Next, Cyprian and Philip are given two rabbits each. Dreaming of a renewed life Cyprian formidably transformed his Heifer trainings in to action and steadily diversified in to poultry farming in 1995.

In 1997 Heifer Cameroon retained Cyprian’s group for a dairy farming project. Cyprian took trainings on livestock management and manure use, Heifer 12cornerstones of love and sharing, gender equity, home sanitation and hygiene and HIV and AIDS awareness campaign in readiness to receive an animal. On August 15th 1997, Heifer Cameroon rewarded Cyprian with a purebred Holstein dairy cow for his sense of commitment and determination. Cyprian and his family willingly submitted their might in to the project, respecting their course prescriptions to the latter. “What I couldn’t dream of in my life became a reality” Cyprian said beaming with smiles. From the dairy, Cyprian milked the unthinkable success for his life and family. The milk from the cow is consumed by his family, shared with close and distant love ones and neighbors and marketed for extra income in the near by markets.

Today Cyprian and his wife have achieved in few years dreams they never thought of in their lives and community. They have landed property and many vegetable farms fields. Contrary to the past Cyprian now earns 200$US monthly from the sells of food crops and milk by products. “I have a well furnished 7 room house constructed with income from dairy” Cyprian said. Cyprian’s family has afforded standard household equipment like a TV set, and seating chairs. Their children have being through college and one of the kids Emily once devastated by epilepsy is strong and healthy and her treatment is afforded thanks to the income earned from the farms. “My mother survived a serious stomach operation thanks to income form the project after many years in pain” Cyprian said rejoicing to tears after having spent 400$US for her mother’s surgery. Through the dairy project they can now afford three square meals, and reach out to the needy in their community with milk, food and counseling.

Cyprian has curbed idleness by employing some youths in his community. He has counseled them to start livestock projects of their own with the cash they are earning, to save for rainy days and betters ways of expanding their activities for more income, to work in collaboration with their wives and children and to know their HIV and AIDS status.

With good social and financial plans for their family and community, Cyprian and his wife Relindis see their love growing and their confidence to tackle any obstacle is overwhelming. “I agree with my husband before we carry out any thing in the family” Relindis said. The couple have a joint account worth 300$US at the local credit union.

Since 1997 Cyprians dairy has blossomed with 11offspring. He has gone to the market with 5 animals including his first joyful Passing on the Gift in 1999, to Wirnkar Tata to widen the cycle of hope. A Heifer prescription. Wrinkar had also relayed this good will gesture to another struggling family in 2003.

On behalf of Cyprian and his family, the needy and orphans he shares his love with, the youths he as given hope and the developments projected he has initiated and piloted, the village head of Vekovi Fai Waikov had sent Heifer Cameroon these words “I thank you from my heart for giving us the hope that we can succeed after years of frustrations”.

US Ambassador to Cameroon visits Heifer

2011-06-23T14:33:00.000+05:00

The excitement in the close knit mountain village of Vekovi was total, as farmer groups, civil and traditional authorities in the sunset of April 12th 2011 overwhelmingly turned out to welcome the US ambassador to Cameroon Robert P Jackson on a visit to Heifer Cameroon sponsored Projects in the area. The US Diplomat who was accompanied by his wife, the political and economic adviser to the US embassy in Cameroon Mikael Cleverley was taking his first trip through Heifer sponsored projects in Cameroon’s North West Region since taking office in October of 2010.

The Diplomat started his day visiting individual farm families and was brought face to face with the new opportunities that Heifer sponsored projects were carving for these families. These farm families in the company of their close relatives and friends authoritatively scooped through their success stories, as they confidently talked about Heifer donated animals, improved nutrition, available income from the marketing of animals and food crops and lost gender stereotypes in their midst and the values of Heifer corner stones. “I have surplus to feed my family to day as a result of the project” Ngong Lazarus told the Diplomat brandishing one of his seedlings who recovered from ill health as a result of improved nutrition like a wining card. Another farmer Sahwai Philip had a phenomenal movie like display with his bull in prove of the endless relationships these families had forged with their animals. The diplomat exalted the farm families for putting their abilities to test and remained them, that by continuously working together they could achieve lasting goals for their families and community.

There was no limit to the open excitement at the village community hall under construction where the Diplomat and his entourage were later received by a cross section of the population. In a welcome address to the diplomat, the three farmer common initiative groups (Dzekwa Multipurpose, Hill to Gardening and Integrated Farming Common Initiative Groups in the area recalled that their friendship with Heifer Cameroon started in 1993 when the Dzekwa multi purpose Initiative group which started with two initial farm families and later metamorphorised to a dairy cooperative over the years was identified for assistance. From the adventure these initial farm families benefited from Heifer Cameroon’s knowledge of animal rearing, and donation. A daring need for change saw these farm families immerging in to dairy farming and food crop production. Their result was not only full bellies and cash for extra spending but the formation of two other common initiative groups over the years. As a fitting tribute to their dedication these two groups have a total membership of twenty five farm families with sixty five animals in their keeping after having sold twenty five animals for extra cash and had since respected the Pass on the Gift commandment with two animals. The speaker talked to the ambassador about their extraordinary achievements like the education of their children, the construction of a community hall, modern houses, environmental protection and self employment for the youths within the community. “These groups were indebted to Dan West, the Heifer Project International Founder” the speaker said, a man immortalized in their hearts like a generous friend with a wonderful spirit for having planted a seed of love to make poverty and misery a dream in the world of theirs.

From the outburst of individual testimonies that followed, almost every farmer had the liberty to send a word of thank you back to Heifer International donors in the United States of America through the Diplomat “We will continue to pray your own families’ good luck and peace”, Ngoran Emmanuel said. The manner in which these men and women who labored on their farm fields, the best they could spoke of Heifer Cameroon’s love story could melt even a stony eerie heart. To most Americans, these people have nothing but their wealth and inner joy is more than any one can ever imagine.

Responding to the plethora of best wishes to the American people, HE Robert Jackson P traced the deep commitment of his family in contributing to the work of Heifer International around the world to many years past. The Ambassador said he was grateful to see “farm families making the best of a great idea”. The Diplomat thanked the people of Vekovi and their leaders for the compelling social networking that brought about a stronger and healthy community. HE Robert Jackson while pledging to make more Americans aware of Heifer Cameroon’s work, called on the farm families to stay undefeated in their quest for a better world. “I pray that the animals will be a blessing to the community not only now but for the great future to come” he concluded.

The Vekovi community is some 85KM from the hustle and bustling of Bamenda, the North West Regional capital in Cameroon. It is in these fertile slopes that some fifteen thousand subsistent farmers made of Mbororo’s, Muslims and indigenous people live and toil side by side. Their continuous hopes for a better world depend on their benefactors, millions of miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Plant a tree

2011-06-23T14:31:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

The Cameroon ministry of environment and nature protection on June 17 planted over 1.7 million trees in the far north region of Cameroon as part of activities to mark the 17th edition of the day to combat desertification in Cameroon. The far north region of Cameroon is the most populated of the country with a surface area of 34000 square KM miles. Unsustainable land use systems and climates changes have made the region prone to poverty and misery. Speaking during the tree planting exercise the minister of the environment and nature protection Halle Pierre pointed out that bush fires, deforestation and grazing were the root causes of poverty in the region. The Gov’t representative called on the locals to plant trees so as to fight the encroaching Sahara desert around the Lake Chad basin home to some eight million people striving near famine conditions. The minister also underscored that plans were already envisaged to provide schools and farmer organizations with trees seedlings in the region.

The far north region of Cameroon is part of the Lake Chad basin and over the year’s unsustainable land use systems and the climate changes has put the region in to a mess. Famer’s plant too often and very densely making the soils exhausted. The encroaching sand dunes of the Sahara desert have leave food crops on the farm field like dry sticks. Many people in the region are always on the move in search of hope and water. Tensions flare as the villages tussle for water and grazing land simply because the resources are very limited. With the growing populations, life seems to be coming to a standstill. In a video produced on the far north region by Heifer international Cameroon called crying for water, the video predicted that the worst was yet to come, as only 3% of the household had access to potable water. A cholera epidemic has killed dozens of people in the region already. It is hoped that schemes like tree planting will not only mitigate the climate changes but will help repair the land on which the villagers depend on.

Sahr Lebbie visits Cameroon

2011-06-23T14:27:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

In the northern Region Prof, Sahr visited individual farm families and had the opportunity to discuss with the farm families, what Heifer sponsored projects had influenced their lives. Women who had irked a living from almost nothing, talked to Sahr about how Heifer trainings on animal rearing, gender equity had uplifted their lives. Evaluating with the farm families the benefits they were enjoying in terms of wealth and social cohesion with regards to those families not assisted at all in the communities, Sahr was thrilled by the resilience of women most especially to fortify themselves with food and income their animals provided against poverty. Prof, Sahr urged the families to be devoted more than ever, to their goals so as to accomplish more than ever before. The farm families also talked about their dreams for the future like the continuous education of their female children and believe in Heifer corner stones. In the northern regions of Cameroon over used farm land, the alarming scarcity of water coupled with the climate changes has pushed the region in to a desert. Farm families strive for years just to coax a minimum living in this fragile atmosphere.

Your browser may not support display of this image. Your browser may not support display of this image. In the Northwest Region, Prof, Sahr toured the homes of some Heifer beneficiaries of farm inputs and animals. In the Bamendakwe village, where some 32 farm families after receiving 32cows at the start of the project now keep 75, after marketing some,- the farm families amazingly talked about how fresh milk had improved their health conditions, how much healing and hope the project was giving to impoverished friends and relatives in the community. The farm families shared their stories of self reliance and displayed their new assets as proceeds from the project. Boasting of cooking with a biogas energy system in their home, a couple Suh Robert and Suh perpetua thanked Heifer international for empowering them to make good use of animal dung not only for composting but for the generation of energy. This couple, pioneers of this Heifer assisted initiative in their community told their guest how the Biogas energy void of smoke make cooking for them enjoyable and helped them to reserve and protect their forest trees a means of loving the earth. “Community members envy us” Suh perpetua the wife remarked. Prof, Sahr acknowledged their courage and spirit to inspire their community with words of congratulations. The vice president for the Africa program listened to some of the families talk about their joy of passing on the gift of livestock to other struggling farm families- as others prayerfully waited for their turn to relay this animal chain of love and sharing. In every home he visited Prof; Sahr remained the farm families that the “passing on the gift” gesture was the essence to any Heifer programs.

In a working sessions with Prof Sahr and Cameroon country director Henry Njakoi the farm families and leaders of the various cooperative groups in the communities thanked Heifer over and over for the help they had received in the form of animals and farm inputs. They shared the benefits of buried gender stereotypes and how organic farming was rewarding their untiring efforts and the community, despite changes in the weather patterns. The scarcity of grazing land and the high supply of milk without a steady market were some of the issues the leaders of the cooperatives grappled with, as they trumpeted their new found fortunes in the project. The vice President for the Africa Program called on farm families and their cooperative leaders to re-strategize their commercial links so as to resist the temptation of running out of business. The vice president pledged his support to establish a research data with the aid of the Cameroon country project so as to show how imported Dairy products were wrecking the local markets and the efforts of animal farmers in Cameroon. Prof, Sahr called on the cooperatives to act as a group, because unity gave them a voice not only to change their lives but to lobby existing legislature in their own favor. “You can take a horse to the stream but you can force it to drink water” Prof Sahr told the farmers. He thanked the cooperatives and the farm families for taking advantage of the opportunities that have been given to them by Heifer. The Heifer representatives told the cooperative groups and their leaders that their individual and collective achievements were best ways of reciprocating the good will gestures of Heifer donors around the world.

Prof, Sahr’s working visit to Cameroon ended in deliberations with the Heifer Cameroon staff. Before moving to the Little Rock Arkansas in the USA as the vice President for the Africa program, Prof, Sahr Lebbie was Heifer Cameroon’s country Director for five years.

News from Cameroon

2011-06-18T10:29:00.001+05:00

One person is reported dead and four others hospitalized after eating poisonous food in the out skirt of Douala in the littoral region of Cameroon. The five victims all belonging to one family ate poisonous fish caught with Gama line in a popular Cameroon dish called “mungo chobi” on June 8th 2011. This resulted to vomiting and dysentery. Before being hospitalized one of the victims had given off the ghost. The Cameroon ministry of livestock, fisheries and animals industries has called for vigilance and has asked on the local residence in the region not to eat fish products caught from doubtful sources. According to a CRTV Douala reporter, poverty and misery has caused most Cameroonians business fellows in the out skirts of the city to resort to silly ways of making income like the marketing of poisonous food item toignorant citizens. This incident is coming at a time when cholera out break is sweeping across Cameroon.
Across all the regions of the country scores of people have been reported dead. The epidemic started three months ago in the far north regions where 120 died and was blamed to inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities as well as the poor living conditions of the locals. Despite attempts by the Government to contain the crisis, the epidemic is going out of hand crushing many to dead in the country’s remote areas like Fumbot where 8 have perished. . In the north west Region five people have so far died from one family after exposing themselves to the corpse of an affected victim that was imported in to the village from the south west region and over 40 affected by the disease in the Bafut area some 10KM from the Bamenda the capital city of the region. Doubtful water sources and uncontrollable movement of the affected victims is the root cause of the rapid wide spread. Plan Cameroon international has singled out itself in the fight against the disease by donating chlorine water and other technical equipment to contain the situation. With the fast approaching rainy season, the ministry of public health has gone on a swift campaign to keep the disease at bay. The washing of hands with soap has being prescribed. The marketing of food items like yogurt and milk by products had being banned in schools across some regions Serious financial provisions have also been made in all regional state hospitals to check the out break.

Two armed bandits in the night of June 8th 2011 were shot dead in Bamenda Cameroon, by elements of the central police district. The two culprits were members of a gang on a wanted police list in the city. According to residence of the Foncha street area, panic gripped the neighbourhood when a fierce fire exchange ensued between the police and the criminals. Two of the victims dropped dead and were later identified as Akenji Pascal and Adakah Divine Fru. These boys in their early thirties had assorted identification papers, ammunitions and plenty of stolen cash on them. Speaking to the press shortly after the incident senior police constable Nsom Bende said they had received information of the fugitives and their operation through a tip up and then decided to confront. The police officers on duty were shocked by the gun skills of the criminals. Before their demise these fellows had wrecked many business firms in the city of Bamenda, one that fateful night carting away with 300,000fcfa. The suburbs of the Bamenda city is a no go zone these days at night but the police has vowed to wage a ceaseless war against banditry and fey mania.

Human Crisis

2011-06-18T10:10:00.000+05:00

Aaron KAAH

An emotionally riveting account of human suffering in the contemporary world has being nailed down in a 92 page book by the chaplain of Mbingo Annex Baptist hospital Kengok John Ngokse in Bamenda Cameroon. The book that was dedicated and launched recently at a local Baptist church in Bamenda brings to bear the hope beneath human suffering in a world wrecked by trials, illness and afflictions’. According to this budding writer and prelate this book is intended to highlight the biblical view of human suffering and the how the world can turn to God in search of hope and mercies in their trials. Pastor John’s use of personal pronouns gives the reader an unquenchable test to peruse the pages.

The writer takes his inspiration from his CBC health service ministry where he has worked for decades as counselor for the HIV and AIDS victims. His personal daily encounters with clients in pains and tribulation caused by HIV and AIDS brought about the project. In a simple and testimonial style the man of God points to the cross of Christ Jesus as the only saving arms that can redeem human pain and suffering. Dedicating the book the Rev, Pastor Sam Jato of the RBC Bamenda, exalted the author for being a touch bearer of hope and love to a devastated world. He called upon Christians and the readers to give the book meaning by living its prescriptions and recommendations. A prayer of thanks sanctioned the heavily attended service.

Pastor Kengok John joined the CBC health service as chaplain in 2001 and has served in many capacities. He holds a BA in theology of education from the ECWA theological seminary in Jos. He is married and has four children.

Look at my ring

2011-06-18T09:41:00.000+05:00

Hip hop jewelry has taken over the world of fashion in a big way. Every one seems to be be making personal fashion statement with hip hop jewelry. Like everyone else, I am always interested in hip hop trends. In an effort to fine out the latest, I was looking for fashion jewelry wholesale online when I came upon Rinadon.com - USA based wholesaler that offers a rich collection of hip hop jewelry wholesale. The collection defines western fashion trends and what people who like style are using. I liked many handbag and Twelve Crystal Shamballa personally. Some more items are on my on my wish list for as a gift to someone who is special to me. Those who are interested in latest hip hop jewelry wholesale must explore the site and see what they offer and how. Also have a look at their perfect personal accessories that can make any one stand out among the crowd.

Wholesale Rinadon.com is a leading wholesaler and distributor. People who like latest fashion trends and styles in Hip hop jewelry wholesale already are familiar with the neatly laid out site and look for best and latest in jewelry must see what is featured there. Explore the site and see what they offer for you. You will find the best satisfaction for any taste and style. What else, I want that Natural Shell Stretch Ring now.

World environment day in Bamenda Cameroon

2011-06-17T19:07:00.002+05:00

Aaron Kaah

The center for appropriate technology steals the show on world environment day in Bamenda Cameroon. Activities marking the world environment day took place in Bamenda Cameroon on June 6 th 2011 at the Bamenda commercial avenue ground stand with the north west governor Abakat Ahamat calling on the environmental stakeholders to give the environment and forest maximum protection and sustainability. The state man said a healthy environment was a prerequisite for a healthy community. The governor charged the environmental regional delegates present at the event to give the theme Forest: Nature at your service mportance by preaching the importance by checking excess human activities on the environment. He explained that the best tool against the adverse effect of climate change was to keep the environment safe by planting trees and flowers.

In an exhibition on the alternative ways of protecting the forest and environment, the center for appropriate technology under the Director Njini Victor exhibited a bio gas facility sourced by pig droppings as a cheap means of providing energy for cooking and domestic usage in the rural communities where dependence on the environment and forest was dominate Mr. Njini stole the day as he also exhibited a solar parabolic cooker that absorbed energy from the sun for the cooking of rice and mushroom during the event to the amazement of all and sundry. Mr. Njini called upon the government services to make good use of the technology which according to him was cheap and affordable and the best efficient way of energy management. Whileanswering questions from the press and the public, the Director of the center for appropriate technology (CAT) explained that h is dreams were to link the rural communities in Cameroon with this simple but powerful tool that could energize the protection of the forest and environment. He said the task of CAT was to link the theme of the event to the practical solutions of environmental sustainability. Other exhibitors showcase the importance of grafted economic trees as other ways of protecting the environment and forest. A match past by environmental associations and a musical concert on the theme ““One more tree now” also spiced the event. The United Nations has declared 2011 as the international year of the forest to shine the light on the significance of protecting the environment and forest.

Aaron Yancho KAAH - Our Contributor From Cameroon

2011-06-16T18:20:00.000+05:00

Aaron Yancho KAAH is a Cameroon journalist with more than ten years of experience in the fields of FM broadcasting, television and online publishing. Aaron is recipient of two international awards (the George Atkins Communications Award, Ontario Canada and the (CTA) Technical Center for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation-Community Media Award, Brussels).

His focus is on promotion of agricultural and environmental development through reporting in Africa.

Aaron has also worked on policy advocacy in Cameroon to keep journalism high within the framework of the civil society movement. At the moment he is a communication consultant for development organizations in Cameroon.

Breast Ironing

2011-06-14T13:33:00.000+05:00

WHO WILL KILL THIS MONSTER IN DISGUISE?

Breast ironing is a widespread well established cultural practice in Cameroon. It is also practiced in countries such as Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Togo, Benin, and Guinea. Breast ironing is the massaging and pounding of young girls' breasts at puberty with hot objects such as kitchen knives, traditional sticks, pestles and bananas. The object is to stop the breasts from growing so as to limit early marriages or stop sexual advances from men. Most perpetrators of these acts, elderly women in the villages have advanced several reasons for this. For this group of women a girls breast is only suppose to be seen if she is ripe for marriage and anything short of this is a crime.

In the widikum community in North West Region of Cameroon an old woman is not shy to expose her breast as a prideful sign of passing through the breast ironing ritual in her teenage age successfully. There are already well established female mobilization forces in these communities solely responsible for the ironing of breast. During the exercise mostly performed at night, the perpetrators and their host sing a high pitched tune “to make the operation nicer”.

More than two million girls in Cameroon have faced a breast ironing night. Victims who are ready to comment on the act report that the effects of breast ironing are painful and cause a lot of psychological and emotional stress in them. Young men in rural areas may refuse to marry women who have experienced breast ironing. Victims (girls) are left with horrific testimonies. Some of them today already mothers look back with anguish and deep revulsion.

Today, many NGOs in Cameroon are raising awareness on the effects of breast ironing. The Association of Aunties which works for the emancipation of single mothers with support from the German technical cooperation for development (GTZ) in Cameroon and the Center for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy (CHRAPA) with assistance from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Bamenda, Cameroon advocate that breast ironing is a social injustice and should be punishable under the Cameroon law. But those who carry out this cultural practice say they do not intend to inflict pain on their victims.

Today on our program, two experts (Host 1) A representative from the ministry of women’s empowerment and the family in Cameroon. (Host 2) Mr Jamils Richards a humans Rights activist. Both experts sitting as host will examine (breast ironing) as a cultural and traditional practice in Cameroon and how it affects young girls, our sisters, mothers and Aunties.

That's right. We know that some cultural practices involve violence against women. As rural areas become more integrated with urban centers, many of these practices are now being highlighted. A group called the Association of Aunties works for the empowerment of single mothers in Cameroon. Recently, they stated their opinion that, although breast ironing is a widespread cultural practice in the country, it leaves young girls with psychological stress and physical pain.

First, let's explain what breast ironing is. Breast ironing is the massaging and pounding of the developing breasts of young girls to prevent them from growing. Many elderly women in the villages see breast ironing as the best way to prevent their daughters from prostitution and early marriages. These women argue that breasts which develop quickly are a sign of juvenile delinquency and must be checked. Hot objects like sticks, warmed bananas, kitchen knives and pestles are used.

One in four girls in Cameroon has experienced breast ironing. It is practiced in all 10 regions of Cameroon, and is most prevalent in the Littoral province, where a survey found that more than half of girls had undergone the practice. More than half of the cases of breast ironing were performed by mothers. Most of the victims are left with physical pain and emotional stress. They are also left with black spots and wrinkles on their breasts. In many communities, there are women who are experienced at breast ironing and are paid to carry out the act. The payment is often salt, wood and palm oil. It is painful that though these girls are exposed to Ironing, the high rate of prostitution which their perpetrators want to reduce is still very visibly rampant. Most of these victims still get pregnant at teenage ages; even from old men who are suppose to protect them and to send them to school.

A girl by the name of Manka’a Sirri Ngum , from the Bafut community of northwest tribes in the grass field of Cameroon has bad memories of breast ironing. The experience left her with marks on her breast. She later developed breast cancer. She remembers the flattening of her breast with a hot steel kitchen knife. She hardly can with hold her tears. The operation left her in great pain. Her frustrations were intensified when she later lost a breast through surgery to remove the cancer. Manka’a remembers that her mother later mistook the growing cancer in her breast for an evil spell which could only be eliminated through more ironing. Now Manka’a is ready to speak out against all odds in the village.

Host 2: Changing this cultural norm will take time and education. In the regions of Cameroon where breast ironing is practiced, those who defend it as a cultural practice say they have no intention of inflicting pain and psychological stress on the girls. But resistance by girls to breast ironing is often seen as rebellion against established village traditions and rules. As a result, most of these young innocent girls suffer in silence

Host 1: The Association of Aunties has said that any act which is against social justice, whether it is a cultural, traditional practice or not, is against Cameroon law. They are working with the victims to mitigate the practice.

Host 2: According to Dr. Nick Ngwayam, a surgeon at the St. Louis Clinic in Bamenda the Northwest Region of Cameroon, very often the developing tissues in the breast are expanded and destroyed by the heat applied in breast ironing, first, because it is done in a harsh manner. This according to Dr Louis, attract lots of problems during child bearing that may result to poor breast feeding habits or the none flow of breast milk after delivery at all. This medical doctor says can lead to serious consequences in child bearing and upbringing.

News from Cameroon!

2011-06-14T13:29:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaak

The Cameroon ministry of livestock, fisheries and animals industries has called for vigilance and has asked on the local residence in the region not to eat fish products caught from doubtful sources. According to a CRTV Douala reporter, poverty and misery has caused most Cameroonians business fellows in the out skirts of the city to resort to silly ways of making income like the marketing of poisonous food item to ignorant citizens. This incident is coming at a time when cholera out break is sweeping across Cameroon. Across all the regions of the country scores of people have been reported dead. The epidemic started three months ago in the far north regions where 120 died and was blamed to inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities as well as the poor living conditions of the locals. Despite attempts by the Government to contain the crisis, the epidemic is going out of hand crushing many to dead in the country’s remote areas like Fumbot where 8 have perished. . In the north west Region five people have so far died from one family after exposing themselves to the corpse of an affected victim that was imported in to the village from the south west region and over 40 affected by the disease in the Bafut area some 10KM from the Bamenda the capital city of the region. Doubtful water sources and uncontrollable movement of the affected victims is the root cause of the rapid wide spread.

Plan Cameroon international has singled out itself in the fight against the disease by donating chlorine water and other technical equipment to contain the situation. With the fast approaching rainy season, the ministry of public health has gone on a swift campaign to keep the disease at bay. The washing of hands with soap has being prescribed. The marketing of food items like yogurt and milk by products had being banned in schools across some regions Serious financial provisions have also been made in all regional state hospitals to check the out break.

Network!: Pakistan’s First International Social Media Summit

2011-06-14T12:42:00.000+05:00

How Safe are the Cameroon Roads in 2011

2011-06-14T12:37:00.001+05:00

Aaron Kaah

Official reports from the Cameroon ministry of transport say over 1256 people died on the Cameroon roads in 2010 as a result of road accidents and related incidents. Though the ministry did not say for certain what was the main cause of the road accidents, the communiqué went further to state that the Government was doing the best it could to avert the situation. Though early this year the Cameroon governments had banned inter urban transport vehicles from making night journeys into the country roads as a means of curbing road accidents, the syndicate of inter urban drivers retaliated saying the main cause of road accidents in Cameroon was the poor state of the roads and the bad faith of road safety officials in the execution of their functions not the night journey’s.

Foreigners to Cameroon have cried out aloud on the way public transport vehicles are over loaded with people and properties to in elastic limits in the country whose 60% of the roads are still earth ground. This becomes frightening as no road safety measures are taken to guarantee the safety of road users and passenger’s .In the peak periods of the year this becomes an order of the day as the drivers and their vehicle owners gamble to make gains at the expense of the population. Parking and off loading as they will with impunity. The few Inter urban roads are poorly constructed or hardly maintained and over speeding especially by the logging truck drivers who slalom in and out of the deep holes on the so called tarred roads in kribe –Douala, Tiko –Douala, Edea –Yaounde high ways is a big problem, The poor mechanical state of the vehicles is also mournful tale. It is not known in Cameroon at what age a vehicle is supposed to be imported. Vehicles plying the roads, some refurbished to look new continuously without good engines and pedal breaks are imported in to the country at high custom duties making it impossible for vehicle owners to think of purchasing new ones in to the country, the new a vehicle the higher the imported custom duty in Cameroon. Yet government officials run in the most sophisticated vehicles on their roads and some will testify that the roads are good partly because of the superb state of their cars; can they sale these vehicles to source income for construction of these road??

As any one drives around the country, it is common to see smashed up wrecks of trucks that had rolled in to a ditch or in to a big tree or head on in to one another but this doesn’t compromises the bright faces that use the road or the lesser fair altitude in the government officials who stand at road blocks to check the road users and their vehicles.

Along the Bamenda – Yaoundé high way the discovery is even scary, as vehicles flipped on their backs with their tires look in to the air, some with their wind screen shattered, and over all overwhelming frightful trucks, cabs that had rolled in to roadside buildings, all these specimens’ relate the sad story of a nations roads. More threatening is the appearance of fresh scenes on these roads daily. Of recent the road claimed 5 from a single family and a babies head was no where to be found in the wreckage. The pain and agony from the incident left that family paralyzed and the entire nation cold. Can this be at eye opener that the government is not doing enough?

It is also not known why the government has allowed these wreck trucks and vehicles to stay where and not even the sign boards that tell the public “five died here” can be a mercy. But on the whole one thing is clear that the roads in Cameroon are a dead trap and only vigilance on the part of the Cameroon government and road users can reverse the odds in 2011.

As the summer holidays echo, this is time for government to map out road safety strategies with the actors that are and to remain the drivers, some who are too addicted to alcohol that there is a thin line between enough and too much.

Bamenda Crimes

2011-06-11T13:29:00.000+05:00

Locksmith Denver

2011-06-08T09:03:00.000+05:00

Lock replacement and related services are essential in residential districts as well as commercial areas. Imagine what can happen when your safe is locked and you have documents locked inside to be signed with a party waiting in your office. Or worst still you arrive home from a journey and find that you have lost keys of the entire home. That is where you need locksmith Denver in a hurry.

Businesses as well as individuals need efficient locksmith at call. I recommend you have a look at A B Lock Service and see what they are offering and how can he serve you when you need. Auto locksmith Denver is one the experienced service technicians are are ready to answer your call in and around Area of service around the Denver Colorado metropolitan (Denver, Broomfield, Thornton, Westminster, Lakewood, Boulder, Englewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Littleton). They understand that in a time of emergency you expect quick respond and fair pricing. They specialize in all kind of locksmith work such as Lock picking, Lock change, Lock repair, Lock installation, Replacement Key, Key making, Transponder keys, Master systems, Emergency lockout and more.

Wise is to get familiar with locksmith Broomfield full service company so that you can approach Scottsdale Locksmith when you need in an emergency. Call locksmith Westminster when you need and leave rest to them.

Cameroon Radio Television News Feature Report

2011-06-07T14:50:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

The centre for appropriate technology CAT based in Bamenda Cameroon has being making remarkable strides since 2001 in providing relatively cheap renewable energy sources to the local populations “CAT” focus on appropriate technology systems that are affordable, and within the techniques competence of the poor on the other hand enabling them to identify their needs and technical options. While CAT favour’s the use of local natural resources that can be exploited in small scale manner. The organisation networks with local councils, community’s schools and health institutions CIGs, government, civil society and companies to deliver and design appropriate technologies in Cameroon.

Today CAT’s dream has actually been coming true with the technical support provided by Prof. Nobert Pintsch and Dr. Senta Siller resource person’s from the senior expert service of Germany. The collaboration between CAT and SES of Germany over time has fostered the development of traditions and cultural specificities of certain villages, enhancing the value of production by hand of artistic creation and taught a chain of women groups and organisations in the central villages of the city of Bamenda that it is possible to alleviate poverty without money but, with the resource available around their livelihood. Prof. Nobert Pintsch and Dr. Senta Siller have combined their technical know how in the domain of appropriate technology and handicrafts to link CAT to other friendly projects in Germany, Pakistan, Iceland, Columbia, Greece help income generation projects in Bamenda like hand made dolls, necklaces dress making etc are having their products sold around the world. A project development in Handicrafts has also being envisage between (NOWECA) North West Crafts Association and centre for appropriate technology CAT by the SES expert to better the lot of the farmers.

CAT is also boasting of a CAT club in the Bamenda University of science and technology BUST; since 2002 . Prof. Nobert Pintsch has being offering short term courses to the students of that institution on appropriate technology, and which later culminated with the expert donating some dental equipment to the institution. There are all indications that things are not only changing for CAT, but for the people of the North West Province of Cameroon, who are today celebrating their cultures, life styles and artistic know how through handicrafts, toys and dolls. According to the CEO of CAT Njini Victor his institution has also witness and improvement in technical output though finances are needed to kick start many ventures. While CAT continues to look up to the senior expert service for aid, the hand dolls and toys produced by women groups in Bamenda have continued to portray that women in poverty anywhere in the world can use what they have to buy their way out of poverty.

The Post International

2011-06-07T14:48:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

Opportunities are emerging everywhere around the world for the poor rural people who make life even without any change in the pocket. The possibilities for this new lease of life according to Prof Nobert Pintsch and Dr. Senta Siller of the Senior Expert (SES) in Germany arise from the enormous and unused potentials of these people and the need to use alternative technologies and method’s of constructions, based on traditional knowledge.

Today a social scheme based on self-help income generation has appeared at the door steps of these local people poor in less developed countries. Hand made crafts Dolls, and Toy’s in harmless friendly shape’s and seizes showcasing the traditional garments of their tribes and cultures are not only on exhibition, but on sale’s. This initiative carried and encourage by prof Nobert and Dr. Senta is helping to preserve the cultures of many tribes. The local people have also been taught to accept that setting up local crafts industry’s could be a good source of income generation for them. Today most of these dolls and crafts not only alleviate poverty for the concern’s but helps to market their artistic know-how, and cultures around the world. Without money for a start and a willing heart, the natural resources like bamboos, wood could get any person interested in craft to start up or a needle and piece of clothe to start a business in doll or toy making. Dolls from Bamenda – Cameroon market the rich multicoloured North West regalia of this part of Africa, while toys and dolls from Pakistan redynamise the image of that country that was once in ruins because of war..

The dolls of the world international network has already provided milk and honey to many people, and home’s and Hopes have being reconstructed with beauty and fashion today holding the keys to cultural heritages.

Prof. Nobert and Dr. Senta Siller coordinate projects in the following areas around the world.

- Cameroon - Bamenda Handicrafts and Appropriate technologies.

- Pakistan HC /

- Greece HC / AT

- Germany HC / AT

- Iceland HC / AT

- Dubai HC / AT

- Colombia HC / /

With local base institutions coordinating the activities of these local people in these countries, some of handicrafts have appeared in international museums, while some of the dolls have won public admirations in exhibition grounds. Today TV documentaries and news papers reports have helped to foster these dreams. For the SES, experts there is always gold at the backyard of the local people.

Inheriting Joy and Friendship

2011-06-04T18:24:00.002+05:00

Treating the study tour team to a hilarious welcome in a joint forum, the Bamendakwe Dairy Cooperative and the Unity Farmers Common initiative groups in electrifying voices and displays in their numbers radiated the open satisfaction and joy and in their hearts in reverend songs and dancing. In a welcome address to the August guest, the representative of the groups narrated the history of their love story with Heifer Cameroon in their community and said from 2002 the group members had kept over 78 animals, with some sold and others as POG. The speaker nailed down the benefits of the projects to improved nutrition and income for emergency spending. The representative decried the high cost of dairy inputs and low government subventions, fluctuating market for dairy products and the bottlenecks in the certification of dairy products in Community. In a discussion chat that followed, the farmers where challenged to continuously share their experiences in a bid to expand on their production and to seek advice where necessary from Heifer Project Cameroon.

In a brief address to the Farmers the leader of the day for the study tour team Bill Minton appreciated the farmers for their tremendous experiences that taught them practical experiences in family life, care for the earth and sharing and love. “We are grateful you improved your lives” he said. Bill explained that the valves of keeping animals were the same and productive any where. “Please stay focus and be patient, you are in the right direction” he ended.

Cameroon Assisted Farmers

2011-06-04T18:10:00.000+05:00

Aaron KAAH

The Santa Mbei community some 30km from Bamenda the capital of the North West Region of Cameroon was the neighbourhood with living proofs and testimonies from pig farmers as a US study tour team made of Elanco employees visited Heifer Cameroon assisted farm families and CIG’s on the 27th of may 2011 during a working tour to this community. The team understood in earnest what the animals had done in the lives of the farm families, their close relatives and friends in these communities, as they moved in to their homes and animal farms to access the impact of the projects. In a show of pride and wealth David Njei a Pig farmer who received Heifer pigs in 2007 talked the team down to his accomplishments and the training Heifer Cameroon had given him and his group members at the preliminary stages of the project. While showing the team his pen, David kept count of how much the animals had supported his family not only with compost for his vegetable garden where he farms carrots, green beans and garbage but income for the education of his children. ……..This looks really good” Lisa a team member said. Impressed on David’s project Marleen New said it was very interesting to know the farmer had invested in dogs like other livestock breeders in the community to protect his pigs from thieves that were once a threat to his project. “I’m also heart warmth because of the education of his children”Marleen concluded. In paying particular attention to the feeding and hygiene of the animals, Dr Gary Sexton sort answers on the fed composition from the couple and charged them to improve and concentrate more on the feeding and care for their animals and to avoid in breeding as a means of minimizing low productivity. “Nutrition is a big part of the project” concluded Kerry Keffaber. David and his wife have eight children and six are in school. He has bought new household equipment and now saves income in a local micro financial scheme for rainy days. David and his wife are members of the Mbei community forest common initiative group.

At the pig farm of Violet Atanga, a widow whose late husband had left with her seven children, two other widows and their children and a few farms to survive on, the team listened to her riveting testimonies of how Heifer Cameroon donated pigs and trainings had brought hope and relief to her household and how the knowledge gained was inspiring them (widows) to work together. “I received my animal (two sows and one boar) on June 30th 2008 and had finished my POG”….violet excited as she showed her farm to the group. Impressed by the housing facilities and the hygienic conditions around Violets animals as well as her POG, Courtney Knupp said the widows were inventive and improvised every thing HPI stands for. “With compost from the project I’ve improved the quality of my farm fields for excellent out put and sold animals for the education of my children and for the payment of health care bills” violet told her guest. Violet answered a few questions on her project, how she was coping with the fluctuating market trends. Grady Bishop praised the widow for her hard work and achievements and remaindered her that learning and sharing was key to success. Violet is a member of the Mbei struggling widow’s common initiative group with 45 members.

At the third stop over of the day Sama Emmaculate member of the Mbei community forest CIG -while leading the team round her pen with 4pigs burst out with testimonies on how the Heifer donated animals and mentorings had transformed her life and that of her sidings, “From the marketing of this swines we afforded other food items form the near by markets” she said. Mike Tockach questioned the hygienic and sanitation conditions of the pig farm and remained Emmaculate of the need to respect the basic feeding and sanitation valves in a bid to sustain her joy and comfort. The team paid particular attention to the feeding composition for her animals and listened to her vivid explanations on the breeding of the pigs. Next, the team was elated in the piggery of Comfort Afanyi member of the Mbei struggling women’s Common initiative group where a visibly healthy boar and two sows depicted good care for the pigs. Dr Fent Joe, Mike Tockach and Lisa took turns asking the farmer of her animal breeding pattern and the gains she had reaped from the project. Comfort referred to the income earned from the project as a “stitched in time that saved nine” she exalted Heifer Cameroon for coming to her aid and that of her group members after the dead of their husbands with animals and kindness. She attributed the education of her children and the affordability of three square meals for her family as fall over’s from the project.

At the village community hall were the team was later received by group members of the Mbei community forest and Mbei struggling women common initiative groups, the pomp and pageantry generated from the songs and dance to welcome the guest was over whelming. In a welcome address to the team by the leader of the two groups, the representative said Heifer Donated animals and trainings were a vital tool for the reawakening of group members as well as their communities. He said the hope harvested from the various projects stimulated good health, quality education buried gender stereotypes, environmental hygiene, love and sharing. The representative thanked the study tour team for coming to share in their experiences and for motivating them for greater achievements. In rapturous testimonies that followed from the group members, the widows said it was easy to forget the dead of their husbands with the birth of the projects in their communities. Some of the speakers told the study tour team that their miraculous recovery brought about constructed news homes for them and their love ones, spare cash and surplus food crops. Almost driven to tears, only melodious songs could translate the feelings of most of these women and men who at their best grappled with words, with which to thank Elanco and Heifer international donors back in the USA.

Responding to the CIG’s, Grady Bishop on behalf of the study tour team said the songs and the smiles in the groups told them how much fulfillment had come their way. “We are\separated by distance but we all have the same passion and benefits in rearing livestock” Grady told the audience. He appreciated the farmers for improving on their livestock, for POG and for the ability to work together. “We have been given a great gift and that’s what HPI has done in your lives and we pledge to tell your story back in our country” he concluded.

Successful Dairy Projects

2011-06-03T18:21:00.002+05:00

Aaron Kaah.

A visit to Small Dairy Development Projects with the Bamendakwe unity and Dairy Farmers cooperatives was the task of an Elanco US study tour team to Heifer International assisted projects in Cameroon on the 30th of May 2011. The Bamendakwe village with some 65.000 people mostly subsistent farmers, some 15KM from Bamenda the capital of the North West Region of Cameroon was the community of attraction for the team.

In a visit to the Dairy farm of Akoh Anthony who had received Heifer donated animals and teachings in 2009, the team came face to face with the animal husbandry of the farmer and his family and how they were striving to improve and sustain the nutrition of their 3 animals with grass the available fed from their neighborhood.

Anthony told the team that division of labor in his family had facilitated the care for their cows. Asked about the care for the animals by Kerry keffaber, Bill Minton and Courtney knupp and how he fed his livestock, Anthony discussed to the best of his knowledge how he systematically constructed his pen, where he harvested grass and how strenuous it was at the initial stages before giving way to a more relaxed and rewarding project. The farmer told the guest about the group bull he was keeping and the hygienic precautions he took before and after milking his animals. “Keeping milk in high quality translated the trainings” Kerry said. “I have 5children and one had being through University thanks to the project” Anthony told the enthusiastic Guest. After joining the project in 2005 Anthony and the family have reaped enormous benefits like the marketing of milk and surplus food crops for extra income with which to run their family and send their children to school After receiving two animals (Heifer and Bull) in 2005 Anthony and his wife have raised five animals, sold one and POG with another. “Good care has an impact on the animals….. And making use of what they can afford from their environment is important” Kerry concluded.

At the next stop, Neteh Susan and her husband Max received the team with all smiles and walked them through their dairy project. The couple talked about their accomplishments and attributed seriousness and working together and the assistance from the Heifer Cameroon counselling to their new found hope in their community. “After receiving an animal in 2009 I now have 3animals and my POG is ready” Susan said. The proud couple talked about the education of their 7children with ease because of income saved through the project and a car Max now proudly rides in the community. Susan’s first daughter has graduated from a teacher training college as a state teacher, thanks owed to the project. “They can study any ever they want” she said. Before joining Dairy project, Max and Susan had been passionate pig farming for over 20 years but Heifer Cameroon guidance moved their project to a rewarding business. The couple told Mike Tockach, Dr Joe Fent, Gary Sexton and Bill Minton how the Heifer training motivated them to give full time interest and investment in pig farming. Showing the team compost gathered from the staples of the livestock Susan said their aims were to maximize food crop production. Apart from the income earned from going to the market with animals and food crops the family had diversified in to tapping palm wine (a local drink collected from palm trees in West Africa) and bee keeping in a bid to expand their wealth. Meticulously keeping their records in every activity s the couple jealously guided these records like wining cards and their guest did not resist leaving some valuable comments on some of the pages.

Receiving the guest at their residence George Ndifor and his wife Grce walked the team through their Dairy staple. These now model farmers had received a dairy cow in 2009 and by respecting Heifer Cameroon prescriptions to the latter, while doing the best they could as a couple successes came their way. “We named our first calf Joy and the second one a Bull Success” George told his visitors as he pointed to his Dairy proud fully. Asked why the names by Marleen New, George and Grace said the names translated the warmth in their hearts and the fulfillments in the project…….. “Nice baby calf”……Betsy Keffaber said smiling at the livestock. Since joining the Heifer Cameroon assisted Dairy project in his community George and his family had sold milk for over 200US Dollars, income with which they have seen their five children through various levels in school and renovated part of his livestock pen. One has graduated from the university with a degree an unbelievable achievement for the family.

Holding the hands of some of the tour members, George said “I’m grateful to the project and to you all, May God bless” he concluded. In the home of one of the project beneficiaries Ndetah Abigail and her husband Augustine the names of the dairy animals also brought the guest to the realities of their rewards in the project. Augustine and Abigail had named 4 of their 5 animals “Joy, happiness, Solomon and the Project”. As an extra ordinary achievement in the project a bio gas installation facility constructed in their residence for cooking and lighting portrayed this family as an ideal one in the community as well as in the project .while treating the team to the joy of the technology Mike Tockach was quick to note that this installed Bio gas facility was a fascinating improvement that made cooking enjoyable and family life comfortable. In a bid to know about the expansion of the skills and technology to other group members the team was told that plans were under way to share the knowledge with more farm families. One bio gas installation facility is priced at 1000US Dollars for its construction.

Grady Bishop

2011-05-30T13:34:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

Grady Bishop, the Director Sales Marketing, Elanco Animal Health during his Cameroon visit.

Q What was the purpose of your visit?

Grady: To learn more about Heifer Cameroon projects and the impact on the lives of the people. We are also using this opportunity to share our expertise of swine production and to learn from the rich experiences of the Heifer Cameroon assisted farmers.

Q Who are those who make up your team?

Grady: Elanco Animals health employees, Pig veterinarians, Pig nutritionist.

Q You have visited individual farm families, what are your general observations?

Grady: The animals are clean and healthy and the evidence is that the people are happy and removed from poverty and we have seen that the quality of life in the homes of those assisted is much better than before.

Q How do you intend to solve some of the challenges these farmers have presented?

Grady: we will give presentations, do blogging, write articles and give out personal testimonies to our friends and families as well as our colleagues on the best solution to give back to these farmers in Cameroon.

Q What message are you leaving with these groups and farm families?

Grady: They are doing a very good job in taking proper care for their animals and on behalf of the team I exalt the farmers and the groups to continue the good work and our best wishes in the future.

Q What message are you taking along?

Grady: Heifer International is a very good organization for the work they are doing. The farm families and these communities have changed for ever. We have lived first hand experiences the impact of these animals much more than we could imagine. We have appreciated better health, pride, dignity and hope for the future. We are proud of the collaboration. Thank you.

A sight saving gift

2011-05-23T13:57:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kaah

Empowered to live a life of self sufficiency, Awunti Simon, 56, received Heifer International Cameroon gift of goats through his Fouh Mbiih Mixed Farming Group Finge in 2005 at Tubah sub-division, 25km from Bamenda capital of the Northwest Region in Cameroon. Though sighted, since 1997 Simon is an accomplished farmer.

Before getting Heifer International Cameroon donation Awunti Simon wrote the first school leaving certificate examination twice before passing in 1989; the man wanted of a sponsor. He went for “greener pasture” in the littoral region of Cameroon and in 1997, the unfortunate struck him. “I went completely blind” he burst in to tears at the time. With no financial means to sake a medical assistance, he retreated to his village “cap in hand” .The farmer got married twice. Simon’s first wife Agnes Nwain 37 divorced him for obvious reasons, (limited resources and his poor sight) leaving behind three children.

In 2004, the farmer got another wife for himself Emelda Nawanga 28, with whom they have four children. Simon’s poor sight made life for him and his 7 children incredibly hard. The family had a few farms but the stultifying effects of inter- tribal conflict in his area made their ever poor harvest precarious. There was nothing to influence the family’s choice of feeding. Simon and his family were a liability.

In 2004, Simon registered his membership with Fouh Mbiih Mixed Farming Group Finge with 11 members. The group members heard about Heifer International Cameroon from the Ngamte Dairy Produce and Marketing Cooperative Finge which had benefitted a Dairy scheme from the development organization. Motivated, Simon and his group members tabled an application to Heifer International Cameroon.

In 2005 Heifer International Cameroon came with a message of hope for the group members. First the group members were trained on goat barn construction, goat husbandry, how to improve their soil fertility with household residue, group leadership, gender equity and HIV and AIDS sensitization.

On the 5 June 2005 Heifer International Cameroon, aided each farm family with 5goats, farm tools and improved seeds. “Group members thought that because I was blind I was not going to construct a barn for my animal but I was the first to do that” Simon explained. Though Simon and his family had a tougher day in their farm than any group member, they tilled their field with perseverance and persistence “we harvested (Maize from 34 to 136kg, beans from 17 to 68kg, onion from 15g to 45kg, Cabbage from 400 to 800kg” the farmer said. Simon’s annual income jumped from 75,000FCFA ($167) to 245,000FCFA ($544) from the sales of food crops and livestock. With food crops the family feed three square meals and complemented their diets with other varieties bought in the neighboring markets. “Today we eat fish or crayfish on a daily bases. We eat rice regularly unlike before when we used to eat it only on charismas day” Emelda Simon’s wife said. “My health has become more stable due to good feeding and I longer visit the hospital like in the past” Simon rejoiced. “This income also provided my children’s school needs and our domestic needs, I was able to pay the school bills of my nephew Fabris Malayena (20) for the first time at the Cameroon College of Science and Technology (CCAST Bambili” Simon bragged. Simon and the family were also able to hold a memorial service in honor of his late father in-law in 2008. Simon his wife Emelda have extended their sleeping house and have provided it the best facilities they can. “With income, in 2007 I passed on the gift of livestock at 85000FCFA ($188) to another resource limited farm family within my group.” Simon remembered. Sharing, love and care are the watch words of Simon and his family. The farmer has assisted and passed on the gift of knowledge to 14 farmers within his community.

Though, sighted Awunti Simon, his family believed Heifer International Cameroon brought them a sight saving gift to light their path to prosperity. “Today, I have succeeded even without my eyes,” he said with laughter. The Heifer International cornerstones are their source of strength and comfort.

Is humanity is in trouble?

2011-04-20T14:02:00.001+05:00

Lindsay Clarke on how we should be helping the Cameroonians

Cameroon Cup - 16th Final Draws

2011-04-16T13:40:00.000+05:00

16th final draws for the Cup of Cameroon were conducted last Wednessday afternoon in the conference room of a hotel in Yaounde.

16th final draws for the Cup of Cameroon were conducted last Wednessday afternoon in the conference room of a hotel in Yaounde. 13 of the 32 teams remaining are D1 teams while there are eight and ten D2 and D3 teams respectively. Two of the sixteen matches will pit two D1 teams : Canon of Yaounde against University of Ngaoundéré Football Club and AS Lausanne of Yaounde against Renaissance of Ngoumou while Coton Sport of Garoua are smiling with little known Mbalmayo FC as thier opponent. Meanwhile, Union of Douala and Panthère of Ndé no longer part of the competition, have been replaced by Sahel of Maroua and Avenir of Bertoua. The 16th final matches will run from 23 to 27 April.

Fixtures

1. JEUNESSE de Bonamoussadi I # TIKO UNITED

2. BEST STARS # NKA UNITED de Nguélémendouka

3. SANTOS FC de Koza # AS ETOA MEKI de Yaoundé

4. LES ASTRES FC de Douala # APEJES de Mfou

5. UNISPORT FC du Haut – Nkam # FEUTCHEU FC de Bandjoun

6. CANON Sportif de Yaoundé # NGAOUNDERE University FC

7. COTON Sport FC de Garoua # Vainqueur FOVU Club /FC MBalmayo

8. AS LAUSANNE de Yaoundé # RENAISSANCE FC de Ngoumou

9. NATIONAL FC de Garoua # AS MATELOTS de Douala

10. CAIMAN club de Douala # NJALLA QUAN Sport Academy

11. PANTHERE Sportive du Nde # AVENIR FC de Bertoua

12. SABLE FC de Batié # ACHILLE FC de Sa’a

13. AS Forces Armées et Police de Yaoundé # KAELE FC

14. AIGLE Royal de la Menoua # AS CETEF de Douala

15. Yong Sport Academy # BOCA JUNIOR de Maroua

16. UNION Sportive de Douala # SAHEL FC de Maroua

Colors of Africa

2011-04-13T09:30:00.001+05:00

From National Geographic

CAT Cameroon trains teachers in ICT’S

2011-03-24T07:06:00.000+05:00

Some 9 teachers from some secondary schools in Nkum sub division of Bui division in the North West region of Cameroon are undergoing a computer soft and hard ware course as well as a pedagogy mentoring during this summer holidays organized by the center for appropriate technology in Bamenda Cameroon. The course which started on 14th May 2011 is aimed at expanding the learning of ICT’s in some rural communities in Cameroon through the class room.

According to the Director of CAT Cameroon Njini Victor, computer learning and knowledge is alien to most schools and colleges in Cameroon and the need to link up these kids to the outside world and their kind in the cities is necessary. These 9teachers from the Nkum Sub division have been selected to lead the pilot phase of this project which according to CAT will run up to 2025. After the training the ear marked schools and colleges will be supplied refurbished computers to institute the actual learning and teaching of the course to the pupils and students.

CAT also intends to supply these schools and colleges which are mostly in Cameroon suburbs with solar electricity systems, so that the beneficiaries can access these computers. Due to bad roads and poverty, the Nkum community in Bui Division of Cameroon had being enclave. It is in this back drop that (CAT) center for appropriate technology thought it wise to envisage this project. The 9 teachers enjoying this largess have only paid a token participatory fee 23% as CAT has shouldered the funding of the project. These teachers come from the following schools:

GHS Nse

GTC Nseh

Islamic secondary school

GSS Kuflu

GSS NgendzenGHS Dzeng

GSS Dzevru

GTC Mbiin.

The center of appropriate technology is depending on SES BONN ‐ Germany under the patronage of Norbert Pintsch to afford computers to these schools and colleges. The teachers are mentored by Tafon Joel and Director of CAT Njini Victor with moral support from Dr Kenneth Lukong of the University of Bamenda Cameroon.

Royal University Centre, Cameroon

2011-03-23T08:29:00.000+05:00

Inauguration speech at Royal University Centre, Bamenda, Cameroon (RUC), on Feb 21, 2011

Internationally the number of universities is growing. Some time from now we will have as many advanced schools as fast food restaurants, shopping centers and medical facilities.

The variety of services offered is continuously expanding. Gas stations turn into grocery stores, restaurants sell bycycles and automobile dealers attend to the travelers needs. Creating demand is the name of the game. Modern advertising is meant to sell what is not needed.

Why would universities be any different?

The cost of classical education is constantly rising. If an Institute wants to raise public attention it will have to invest. To raise sufficient funds the institute will have to start thinking economically and create sections that generate an income.

Local tradition combined with specific capabilities and experience could serve as a solid base for a unique selling point.

Concentration is an important factor. Instead of adding to variety you add to the focus. You meet modern economy's demand by supplying the market with an increasing amount of sufficiently trained students. Solid high quality education may sell better than a constantly growing variety of exotic courses. You learn that while you stick to the roots. RUC should head that way.

People trained here are going to be certificated as being part of the RUC project. RUC graduates have unsurpassed competency. As a unique selling point, they have been trained for the local environment, it's language and it's traditions.

RUC focuses on traditional medicine linked to appropriate technology. RUC focuses on projects linking theoretical perceptions with practical concerns.

Universities that are unable to offer certain services need to cooperate with other institutes. This way limited funds can efficiently be utilized without jeopardizing the quality of genuine specialization.

Regional cooperation is of greatest importance!

Speech on the eve of BUST honorary award

2011-03-22T08:24:00.000+05:00

February 18th, 2011

Your excellence, dear colleagues, dear parents and dear students!

I feel honored being invited here today. Some 20 years ago I came here as a tourist, and as BUST was opened in 1995 I had the opportunity to speak to you for the first time.

Since 2001 I am voluntarily working together with CAT (Centre for Appropriate Technology). So I may be familiar to some of you.

Today, you, the parents and the students are celebrating a quite remarkable occasion:

The parents are harvesting the fruits of their financial givings, and the students profit from a profound education.

A latin saying is: "We do not learn for our school, we learn for our life!" Non scholae sed vitae discimus.

Today we live in a world of "lifelong learning" - which some of our ancestors were familiar with decades ago.

All people should have the opportunity to cultivate their personal abilities.

All people are equal.

Men and women are equal,- means the western thinking.

Looking at our planet from a distance, this may be true today.

But looking at the way most of us design our lives today reveals some adverse aspects. It seems the demand for focusing on elementary ecological and sociological concerns still remains a challenge.

What exactly does that mean?

My dear students, you have worked hard, but life has not quite begun. You will have to face the fact that learning must continue. Your future calls for linking your earned skills with the demands of our modern society. You will have to take the challenge to survive in an environment focusing on industrial and monetary aspects, turning motivated individuals into exchangeable merchandise. Developing and preserving values based on theoretical knowledge with little practical experience will require strong personal ethics. Your initial effort will not pay well, nevertheless you should keep building practical experience in projects, even if that may mean working voluntarily.

I wish you all the best for your personal future.

Your excellence, dear colleagues, dear parents and dear students!

Many thanks.

More images from the event

Cameroon - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

2011-03-03T20:30:00.000+05:00

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria
Capital: Yaounde
Climate: varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north
Population: 18,467,692 (est 2008)
Ethnic Make-up: Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1%
Religions: indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%
Government: republic; multiparty presidential regime

CAT, SES, DGFK Setting The Pace For African Energy

2011-03-01T08:30:00.000+05:00

In a bid to promote African Energy through the use of solar energy, the Centre for Appropriate Technology, CAT – Cameroon in partnership with Senior Expect Service (SES) Boon-Germany and Society for the Advancement of Culture (DGFK) Berlin Germany have for the past days organizing “open day” and public exhibitions on some appropriate technologies as solutions to Climate Change and adaptation.

A series of solar training workshops for students in Cameroon and the North West Region in particular by CAT Cameroon and its partners is training students on photovoltaic system which is a solar energy system that provides electricity directly from sunlight. It produces clean, reliable energy without consuming fossil fuel and can be used in wide varieties of application like radio, lighting and even large scale electricity supplies.

Before promoting the use of solar energy, CAT Cameroon led by its Director Njini Victor, SES led by Dr. Norbert Pintsch, DGFK led by Lutz Fluegge and Mrs. Renale Perrier have been cress-crossing schools in the North West Region educating the students that conventional fuel sources have created a myriad of environmental hazards such as global warming, acid rain, smog, water pollution, rapid filling waste disposal sites, destruction of habitat from fuel spills and the loss of natural resources. It is against this back drop that CAT and its partners are out to educate the entire population that photovoltaic systems do not pose these environmental problems.

Today, many photovoltaic modules use silicon as their major component. The silicon cells manufactured from one tone of sand can produce as much electricity as burning 500.000 tons of coal. Today, photovoltaic modules supply electricity to more than one million homes and create hundreds of thousands of jobs world wide. One of such sensitization tours took place at Alah-Nkie at the Royal Development Cooperation Foundation. The free passive solar Active Technology training workshop brought students from ENS Bambili, students on Youth Forum Programme from CRTV Bamenda. In the presence of Prof Norbert Pintsch, Lutz Fluegge and Renale Perrier, CAT’s project coordinator Njini Victor drilled the students and villagers on the need for the use of solar energy and the various environmental problems caused by conventional fuel sources. In the long and short of it, it was a free passive solar active technology training workshop for the students and villagers characterized by interactive stage plays by Lutz and Renale as part of their ongoing campaign against environmental degradation and climate change and adaptation for children in Cameroon.

At Baptist Comprehensive College Nkwen, students and teachers were equally drilled on the need to diversify and choose solar energy because it serves health and money. Njini Victor outlined the disadvantages of relying on other sources of energy than solar energy. He and his team also sensitized the students and teachers on how medicinal friendly trees can be planted to prevent global warming. Before the workshop rounded up, students were called upon that the only way forward is to have an autonomous

house that produces its own electricity. The students were taken aback when they saw some demonstrations on the use of solar energy on household equipment. The principal of the school Bumenang Eugene appreciated CAT and its partners for choosing his institution as one of the beneficiaries of the workshop.

Over the years, CAT-Cameroon has been collaborating with schools like JMBC Ndu, BCHS Njinikejem Belo, SAC Kumbo, BHS Mankon and others, organizing free passive solar active technology training workshops for students. It has also been organizing open days or public exhibitions on some appropriate technologies as solutions to climate change and adaptation.

During such, some site attractions like cooking, baking, drying, boiling, lighting with solar energy have often taken pride of place. It should be noted that CAT Cameroon has been excelling in the field of appropriate technology with a ten year experience. They have also been working in partnership with Africa Energy in Arizona in the US.

Away from that, song, dance and fanfare characterized the arrival of Njini Victor, CAT Director, Prof Norbert, Lutz and Renate at the Alah – Nkie Royal Home for the laying of the Foundation stone for the construction of the Royal Rehabilitation Centre for the treatment of mentally handicapped persons, the abandoned and under-privileged children. The project according to Prof. Norbert is an example of appropriate technology, financing and implementation in a rural area based upon, traditional methods, local materials, autonomous functioning and flexible. The project is expected to engulf a walloping sum of FCFA 300 million.

The project designed by the Institute for Planning and Consultancy IPC in Germany, is expected to have a school, hospital, workshops, a Biogas plant, solar installations and rooms. According to Prof. Norbert, the project is one in Africa and its construction will depend on foreign donors, and the Government of Cameroon.

Appreciating the gesture, the Regional Delegate for Culture North west congratulated Prof. Norbert Pintsch for helping Ambassador Simon to realize the project which will go a long way to improve on lives. He congratulated Prof. Norbert, Lutz, Renate and Njini Victor for coming to lay the Foundation Stone. He equally lauded CAT Cameroon for the efforts to educate people on the need for solar energy. The Delegate called on Njini Victor not to relent his efforts because if solar energy is propagated as it has to be, and then there will be a solution to frequent power cuts.

The Royal Rehabilitation Centre for the care and treatment of mentally handicapped persons and the under - privileged and the people’s centre for development is a project of Ambassador Simon Tabufor Lesley who saw the effectiveness of his medicines for the treatment of mentally handicapped persons and to reduce the high number of mental patients in our streets.

The centre will also act as the reformation and training of already mentally handicapped persons.

This article also appeared at Light Within

Francoise Mbango of Cameroon

2011-02-26T11:45:00.000+05:00

Defending Olympic champion Francoise Mbango of Cameroon broke the Olympic record of the women's triple jump at the Beijing Olympics here on Sunday and retained the title.

In her second attempt, Mbango landed 15.39 meters. The previous record was held by Inessa Kravets of Ukraine in 15.33 meters.

Tatyana Lebedeva of Russia, took her second Olympic silver after Sydney games with a jump of 15.32 meters. She was also the bronze medalist in Athens games.

The bronze went to Hrysopiyi Devetzi of Greece, who cleared 15.23 meters, who jumped 15.33 meters in the qualification at the Athens games, the best Olympic effort so far.

The reigning champion created the new Olympic record in her second jump, and then posted lackluster performance in her next four trials which were all below 15 meters.

The runner-up secured her place in the third jump, and posted two foul attempts in her last two trials. The bronze medalist failed in her last four jumps after she cleared the 15.23 meters in her second trials.

Cameroon Francoise Mbango Etone competes during the women's triple jump final at the National stadium as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 17, 2008. Francoise Mbango of Cameroon defended her triple jump gold medal at the Olympics on Sunday.

Where the queen of Bafut wants biscuits

2011-02-25T14:11:00.002+05:00

Scott MacMillan

'Good afternoon. We'd like to meet the fon." Rob limps up to the gate of the royal palace and presents our request for an audience with the local king to a woman wearing a patterned frock and flip-flops. This, it turns out, is Ma Marie, Her Majesty the Queen herself - or one of them, anyway, for the fon of Bafut has over 40 wives.

We're near the heart of Cameroon's Ring Road country, also known as the Grassfields, where a line of barely navigable dirt track traces a rough circuit through mountainous pastures and forests that brush the Nigerian border. For those who can bear the driving conditions, layers of sharply undulating hills stretch into a hazy horizon, covering a land dotted by volcanic crater lakes, waterfalls and grass-thatched palaces inhabited by local chieftains and kings, or fons. The fon of Bafut is a paramount lord of the area.

The young queen regards us, a ragtag bunch, with a measure of scepticism. Following a spill on his motorcycle, Rob is hobbling along on a swollen ankle, which he later learns is actually fractured, while Luke, Roger and I have caked ourselves with red dust by circuiting most of the Ring Road at a breakneck pace of two days.

The route to Bafut involves a collection of different drivers, the oddest of whom, a local road engineer named Peter, speaks only in a high-pitched falsetto voice. We find him through the owner of a restaurant where we've broken the journey. For about US$40 (Dh147), Peter gives us three spaces in the back of the cab of his pickup for the 110 kilometres from Nkambe to Wum, the northernmost and worst segment of the ring road.

"I am not a transport company!" Peter squeals disconcertingly when the restaurant owner demanded a tip for his referral. "Don't disturb my mind!" The mood turns sour, and the altercation nearly gets us booted from the back of the cab.

We finally set off, the pickup crawling along for hours, pitching itself into the track's deep ditches and then crawling out again. "You come to see us suffer!" Peter says, his voice as high as a Puccini aria. "Now do you see how we suffer?" The condition of the road is bad enough, but the driver's voice is downright disturbing.

We eventually reach Wum, and the following day, Bafut, but with so much hard travel, we barely have time to enjoy the scenery. This explains the state we're in when we finally approach the royal palace.

Alas, it turns out one can't just walk up to the fon and shake his hand. "Meeting the fon," Ma Marie explains softly, "is very expensive."

First, one must request a special dance performance, which will cost about $30 (Dh110); next, one must invest in a suitable gift, the fon's preference being a case of Amstel. The fon will then make his appearance.

"I'm happy not to meet the fon and just take the tour," says Rob.

"Seems a bit dear," Luke agrees.

After high-tailing it around the Ring Road in an effort to make the most of our time, I'm realising the value of things left unplanned. A journey needs space to breathe, for too much scheduling can suffocate the unexpected, the strange serendipity that make travel so rewarding. This meeting with the fon seems too staged. We decline.

Instead, we tour the palace grounds with the queen as our guide, ending outside the Achum, a holy inner sanctum covered by a pyramidal thatched roof where the fon communicates with his ancestors. We sit in silence, savouring the quiet atmosphere of the walled compound.

"So the tour is over now," Ma Marie says. She pauses a few beats. "Don't you have something for me?" she asks me directly. "After all your inquisitiveness? Some biscuits, perhaps?"

I'm taken aback. We did ask her a lot of questions, particularly about her marriage to the fon. But we've already paid the entrance, guide and camera fees. I cover the awkward moment with a smile and the bare truth, which is that I'm bearing no biscuits - nor any gifts worthy of a queen, for although a monetary tip may have sufficed, a few coins hardly seem right for royalty.

I've been solicited for gifts endless times in Africa, usually by children who ask for cadeaux, and I've had some strange and unexpected encounters in my travels. But having a queen ask me for biscuits - well, that's something I really hadn't planned for.

"Normally I'd invite you out for a drink," I finally say to Ma Marie. "But I don't think the fon would be too pleased with that. Would he?"

"No," the queen replies, gently as ever. "He wouldn't." Strange serendipity has its limits.

Scott MacMillan is blogging about his journey on his website, www.wanderingsavage.com

Is Cameroon Next?

2011-02-25T14:09:00.000+05:00

Benjy Sarlin

Anti-government uprisings have spread from an initial revolution in Tunisia to countries across the region, including Egypt, Bahrain, Libya, and Yemen. Could the revolutionary fervor be migrating outside of the Arab world as well?

In Cameroon, activists used the recent Mideast turmoil to rally protestors this week against President Paul Biya, who was ruled the African nation with total authority for the last 28 years. Opposition groups charge that he has rigged elections to keep himself in power and human rights groups, including Amnesty International, accuse authorities of stifling political dissent with extreme violence.

"We want to take charge of our destiny like the people in Egypt and Tunisia did," Kah Walla, an opposition candidate for president in Cameroon working to organize demonstrations, told CNN on Wednesday.

Whether any movement has the ability to gain traction is an open question. The Biya regime appears intent on shutting down any hint of demonstrations before they begin. On Wednesday, reports surfaced that security forces had assaulted protestors demanding fair elections in Cameroon's largest city, Douala, including Walla, who had timed their demonstration to commemorate food riots in 2008 that left as many as 100 civilians dead . Unconfirmed footage on Youtube appears to show Walla being sprayed with a high-powered water hosewhile another video depicts protestors under attack in a separate demonstration on Monday.

Political observers say that Cameroon exhibits many similar traits to the countries that

have seen major protests recently and could be affected as a result. Lyombe Eko, a professor of journalism at the University of Iowa who has researched Cameroon, noted that like Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia, economic concerns, especially lack of jobs and rising prices on essential goods, have been key to the unrest.

"There's high unemployment, lots of university graduates who have no jobs just roaming the streets doing nothing, there's real hopelessness," Eko said. "There's a huge population in the country that I think is ready to take to the streets, that's why the government is very scared."

Joseph Takougang, an associate professor of African studies at the University of Cincinatti, told TPM that the latest protests "definitely have to be taken seriously."

"There's no doubt in my mind that the current situation in the Middle East that this has sort of spurred in recent days opposition members to speak out," he said. "There's always an appearance of stability when there's no serious opposition... but you only need something like what happened in Egypt or Libya or Tunisia or Bahrain to see that atmosphere of contentedness and happiness on the surface doesn't go deep."

Cameroon's demographic makeup is different than the other countries facing recent mass protests -- it's largest religious group is Christian, with Muslims making up about a fifth of the population. Its primary divisions are regional and cultural and not religious -- most notable are tensions between its English-speaking and French-speaking communities.

CAT Involves Children in Fight Against Climate Change

2011-02-24T09:36:00.000+05:00

The Centre for Appropriate Technology, CAT, based in Bamenda, Cameroon, has involved children in the fight against climate change. In Conjunction with Senior Expert Service, SES, based in Germany, CAT invited some 30 children ranging from the ages of six to ten years to the centre on Friday February 12, 2010. According to Njini Victor, Coordinator of CAT, the children were invited to see the devastating effects of climate change thus building their minds towards the long terms effects of the scorch. Njini said CAT and SES wanted to build the young minds of the children by showing them how to take advantage of the effects of climate change in harnessing solar energy to do most of the things that are done otherwise which further aggravate the effects of climate change. The children learned through play, games and songs in an interactive and participatory method with three volunteers from SES, Mr. Lutz Fluegge and Renate Perner of DGFK who are artists and Prof. Norbert Pintsch. This through sustainable and affordable products developed by CAT like indirect solar agriculture driers, small biogas units and solar water heaters, the children and the three volunteers savored cakes an tea prepared through them.

It is worth noting that CAT has been collaborated with SES for the past nine years and benefits from technological transfer and capacity building from SES.

The Senior Experts Service, SES is based in Germany and is composed of retired professionals. CAT has greatly impacted on the lives of rural Cameroonians by developing solar products that are affordable and sustainable. Presently CAT is developing a traffic data and pollution project which could be of help Bamenda city development planners.

This appeared in Tribune February 15-21, 2010

Cameroonian food

2011-02-21T20:24:00.002+05:00

Staple foods eaten in the north are corn, millet, and peanuts. In the south, people eat more root vegetables, such as yams and cassava, as well as plantains (similar to bananas). In both north and south regions, the starchy foods are cooked, then pounded with a pestle (a hand-held tool, usually wooden) until they form a sticky mass called fufu (or foofoo), which is then formed into balls and dipped into tasty sauces. The sauces are made of ingredients such as cassava leaves, okra, and tomatoes. The food most typical in the southern region of Cameroon is ndole , which is made of boiled, shredded bitterleaf (a type of green), peanuts, and melon seeds. It is seasoned with spices and hot oil, and can be cooked with fish or meat. Bobolo , made of fermented cassava shaped in a loaf, is popular in both the south and central regions.

Fresh fruit is plentiful in Cameroon. The native mangoes are especially enjoyed. Other fruits grown locally and sold in village marketplaces include oranges, papayas, bananas, pineapples, coconuts, grapefruit, and limes.

Read more: Food in Cameroon - Cameroonian Food, Cameroonian Cuisine - traditional, popular, dishes, recipe, diet, history, common, meals, staple, rice, people, favorite, make, customs, fruits, country, bread, vegetables, bread, drink.

Related: Pakistan Food

Cameroon’s finest contribution to world cuisine

2011-02-20T14:15:00.000+05:00

Scott MacMillan

I’m about to leave Cameroon, heading into the woolly yonder: Gabon briefly, then the Congos. But first, I need to let the world know about the greatness of the spaghetti omelet, an amazing culinary innovation I came across in Cameroon.

It’s startling in its simplicity. You cook some spaghetti. You make an omelet, but before you throw the egg into the frying pan, you add the spaghetti to the egg. Voila! A spaghetti omelet. Oh, I get hungry just writing about it.

Cameroon’s other foodie highlight is its avocado salads. Beyond superb. In the Anglophone city of Bafoussam, we found a chop shop (that is, a little roadside shack, found all over Africa usually selling variations of the same: gristly meat served, greasy gravy, starchy mush) that specializes in avocado salads. Wonderful, cheap avocado salads, made fresh, on the spot, with crisp greens, purple cabbage and grated carrots. And they do spaghetti too.

Photos to come, at some point, but my connection speed is now debilitating.

NO EQUATORIAL GUINEA FOR YOU. I’ve had a mildly taxing few days of travel. Roger and I parted ways in Kribi, Cameroon, a beautiful Atlantic beach town where’d had a few days of R&R, with plans to meet up in a few days in a place called Lambarene, Albert Schweitzer’s favorite little place in Gabon.

My plan was to head through Equatorial Guinea, taking advantage of the strange fact that US citizens, unique among all nationalities, do not require a visa.

Equatorial Guinea sounds like a fairly wretched place, described by Simon Winchester as “The worst country in the world.” Just my kind of place. He visited back in the ’70s or ’80s, but since then, the country has come into absurd amounts of oil — which perhaps just makes it wretched and expensive. I don’t really know.

And I won’t know soon, because the entry point at Campo, south of Kribi, was completely closed. All local intelligence suggested this was not the case, including Cameroonian immigration control and the boatman who took me across the river estuary that separates the two countries.

I stood on Equatorial Guinean soil for a total of about four minutes until they threw me out and sent me back across the river. There seemed to be no recourse, not even bribery — though I didn’t offer anything.

So back to Kribi, resulting in a lost day of travel. I’m now trying to catch up with Roger, wherever he is. The only transport to the city of Ebolowa, near the crossing into Gabon, didn’t leave Kribi until 4:30pm. I waited for it to leave starting at 7am.

It was a good journey, though, on a dirt road through some of the densest rain forest I’ve yet seen. Sometime long after nightfall, I got out of a minibus in the town of Akom II (“Akom Deux”) and switched to a pick-up, finally finding myself at a hotel in Ebolowa, a pretty developed place by most African standards, at 2:30am. It would have been faster to go all the way back north to Yaounde, the capital, get a bus going south to Ebolowa. So it goes. The trip at least yielded some decent anecdotes for the column.

WHAT COMES NEXT. The next few days will see me rushing full speed ahead through Gabon (Oyem, Lambarene, Ndende), probably sleeping at a remote border crossing with Congo called Doussala. This is deep in logging territory, and the road south from Doussala to Dolisie has been known to get so mucked up during the rainy season (which is right now) that transport, provided you can find it, can be held up for weeks. Luckily we do have our two feet, and hopefully we’ll get a ride in a logging truck. Fun.

From Dolisie we head to Pointe Noire, on the Republic of Congo coast, thereby avoiding the madness of the twin cities of Brazzaville and Kinshasa; from there south into the Angolan enclave of Cabinda; from there, briefly, into Democratic Republic of Congo, at a place called Muanda. We’ll overlook the mouth of the Congo at a point called Banana, if the military lets us. If they do, we’ll have a banana at Banana and then get a boat to Soyo, Angola, and then high-tail it through Angola, for we only have a five-day transit visa — barely enough time to cross the country.

Once we cross into Namibia — the forecast now says early March — we’re basically back in the civilized world and the hairiest part of the journey will be behind us.

Goodbye for now.

African Art - Its Style And Cultural Importance

2011-02-19T23:04:00.000+05:00

The traditional art of Africa plays a major part in the African society. Most ceremonies and activities (such as singing, dancing, storytelling, ect.) can not function without visual art. It can also be used as an implement and insignia of rank or prestige, or have a religious significance.African art consists mainly of sculptures, paintings, fetishes, masks, figures, and decorative objects.

Sculptures are considered to be the greatest achievement for African art. A majority of the sculptures are done in wood but are also made of metal, stone, terra-cotta, mud, beadwork, ivory, and other materials. It is found in many parts of Africa but mainly in western and central Africa. Many ancient rock paintings have been

found in Southern and Eastern Africa. These paintings are believed to be attributed to the SAN (Bushman) people. Masks and fetishes are often used to scare off bad things such as evil spirits, witches or ghosts. They are also used to bring about a desired end-break a bad habit, improve ones love life, or kill a natural or upernatural enemy.

There are three basic themes of African art. The first is the dualism between bush and village. African tribes wear masks and headresses: the male is represented by the elephant, the most powerful of bush creatures and the female is delicately coiffed to express refinement and civilization. The second theme of African art is the

problematic relationships between the sexes.African tribes use art as a therapeutic device to deal with the problems and issues dealing with the relations between the sexes. The third theme is the struggle to

control natural or supernatural forces to achieve a desired end. African tribes often use masks in ceremonies (called Gelede) to please and honor the forces.

For each region in Africa,there is a different style of art. The western Sudanic Region have masks and figures representing.. Join For Free

Baptist School

2011-02-18T11:01:00.002+05:00

Workshop and entertainment Cooking and Lighting
With Mr Victor, Mr Manasse, Mr Lutz and Mrs Renate
CAT-SES, DGFK

Cornerstone Ceremony for RHC and RHDRC

2011-02-18T11:00:00.000+05:00

Ala-nkie
Cornerstone Ceremony for RHC and RHDRC
And Project Presentation / IPC-team
With provincial delegate (Minister for Culture of the NW-Region of Cameroon)
Fon Dr Simon
Mr Victor / CAT
Prof Pintsch / SES
In connection with YouthDay 2011:
Mr Lutz, Mrs Renate / DGFK-team
Workshop for Lighting & Cooking
With Mr Victor / CAT

Cameroon Online

2011-02-12T11:50:00.000+05:00

Cameroon info - News, sports, people profiles and more.

Cameroon newspaper

Cameroon search

Cameroon on Wikipedia

Top Universities in Cameroon

Cameroon ref articles

Sustaining Animal Health with Plants

2011-02-07T14:31:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kah

Mamma Bitang, is a Heifer International Cameroon resourceful farmer at the Noubou village in Moutourwa sub-division in Mayo Kani Division of the Far North Region of Cameroon. Mamma, mother of ten (6 boys and 4 girls) received relevant knowledge on treating animals with herbs through her Groupe d’Initiative Commune Wudmezle in 2009 during a Heifer International Cameroon sponsored training workshop on livestock rearing and donation. Mamma like other women in her group was offered a series of lessons on animal husbandry, gender equity, sanitation and hygiene and ethno veterinary medicine. To strengthen the trainings each farm family was given 4 animals a ram and 3 sheep each in compensation of their loyalty to the teachings and prescriptions. Mamma had her share.

Before Heifer International Cameroon’s gift of knowledge and animals to Mamma and her group, they kept a few animals locally and depended on veterinarian doctors for treatment. This was costly for the poor peasant farmers, whose only source of income was their farm out. Mamma retained the ethno veterinary sensitization campaign as a best option of remembering her roots “When I was growing up, I saw my father using herbs to treat animals and the method was very effective” she said.

With little or no vet doctors present in those days Young Girls like Mamma saw herbal treatment of animals as a cultural practice but it soon died off with the passage of time. Heifer International Cameroon’s drilling ignited the passion in the woman. “I do treat bloat in sheep with groundnut oil by giving the animal small quantity of the oil and in about six hours the stomach releases all the gas” Mamma said. Mamma treats diarrhea in sheep by giving the animal Cassia occidentalis (Kenkeliba) plants mixed in their feed. To sustain her treatment process the farmer has planted these plants around her family house for easy accessibility.

Mamma has passed on this gift of treatment with other community members. “Mamma’s knowledge of animal treatment is very effective” Djouma Boukoi president of Groupe d’Initiative Commune des Djinandra, explained after applying the treatment procedures from Mamma to treat her animals of diarrhea. Mamma has been on hand for trainings within and beyond her community for the training of farmers on building animals health with plants and herbs. “I am happy to know that other farmers have learnt from me” she said. After receiving her animal from Heifer international Cameroon, the farmers has recorded only one death in a community where animals die on a daily bases. “I now have six sheep after selling one during the feast of the ram,” Mamma said elatedly.

This woman knows when and what to give to a particular animal when it’s sick. This experience has attracted other farmers to her and she is making a steady income from the treatment of animals. Mamma has also passed on the knowledge of treatment to her children and her animals have received proper care and management. She has used income for this venture to afford basic food crops for her family and her children school needs and medical bills. As Mamma’s project continued to flourish she had extended a word of thank you to Heifer International Cameroon for stabilizing her animal welfare.

Caption: Mamma in front of her barn with her sheep

Two hands make work lighter

2011-02-03T09:24:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kah

Wangbé is a Heifer International Cameroon farmer who wanted her family to become closer. Wangbe was schooled by Heifer International Cameroon through GIC Boyare of Goudjouing. She has been married to Watey Joseph for 15 years and they have three children.

Wangbe and her family live in where farming is in a precipitous decline due to drought. Her spending income was seriously compromised. “It is true we did not have enough money to meet our needs, I was managing by selling gravel that I gather around the village; with the money I bought salt and soap for the family,” she said. Limited resources and poor communication between Wangbe and her husband led to a series of hostilities. “It started with my husband’s excessive consumption of alcohol that brought division in the family,” she said crying. The woman, too, retaliated by drinking but her financial situation only deteriorated, leaving her and the children malnourished. “I could not stay for more than three months without abandoning matrimonial home in search of solace anywhere,” said Wangbe. The Heifer International Cameroon training on integrated agriculture, gender equity, HIV and AIDS, composting, pen construction broadened her mind. The donation of pigs and donkeys to her as a Heifer International Cameron helped her put the ideas she learned in the trainings into practice.

Hopeful, Wangbe reduced her alcoholic intake and concentrated on her farming. She used techniques she learned Heifer International Cameroon. Her hard work attracted her husband to join in the farming activities. “As time passed on my husband also started to change,” she said. The husband and wife now took care of their animals together. Two sets of hands made the work lighter and their children began also helping to care for the animals. They began using compost on their fields and used donkeys to till the fields. Their efforts tripled the food crop yields.

The husband became more conscious of his duties and gave off alcohol. “Last month, we decided to sell some of our harvest {cowpea} in order to compile documents for our child to seat for the entrance examination to secondary school. I am surprised that we now live in peace in our house” Wangbe said. With available food crops and a steady source of spending income the couple is a happy one in their locality and their children are healthy. “For me it is a miracle that we are living in peace,” Wangbe said.

The couple is thankful to Heifer International Cameroon for assisting them to find love and happiness. Their plans are to help others in their community find it, too.

Heifer International Cameroon’s gift of education is a gift of hope

2011-02-02T11:04:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kah

When her husband died eight years ago, Agnes Behoumié, 41, was left all alone in a mud house, with a thatched roof with her five children. Agnes grappled with the daily challenges to feed and send her children to school. She had a farm, though, left to her by her late husband. This was her primary source of income. But the farm wasn’t doing so well. Over time, the land became less fertile. The widow depended upon cassava byproducts like gari and kukum for an income. She also sold fruit and groundnuts to complement her family income. Her monthly income stood at 30,000 FCFA ($60).

Agnes registered her membership with Groupe d’Initiative Commune des l’Elites Agricole de Yambassa (GICOMELY), in search of hope and comfort. The group applied for Heifer International Cameroon’s assistance. Heifer International Cameroon came to their rescue. The first step was a workshop on the just and sustainable development, improved sheep husbandry, report writing, record keeping and filing, gender equity and HIV and AIDS. The group members were later given seeds, farm materials and cash to help them interested in coming to the trainings. Agnes received 30.000 FCFA ($ 60) to supplement the construction of her sheep pen to start a sheep project. The gifts helped Agnes make ends meet. In her community men mostly did the sheep rearing, but Agnes shunned this stereotype. “At first I saw the keeping of sheep to be a man’s job but from knowledge gained from Heifer International Cameroon I have made up my mind to come over this,” the widow said. With income from the sale of food crops she bought timber and made a good pen. Her hopes and aspirations were high. “The animals will provide me income, with which to send my children to school and pay their hospital bills. I will use its manure to fertilize my farm, and the food crops and meat will aid us to feed well and to source money for any extra spending,” She said.

Agnes said that the trainings enabled her to keep good records of all her farm produce. “The trainings received have enabled me to start recording all that I harvest from my farms and what I have invested in the sheep house,” she said. According to Agnes this alone helped her sense of belonging and community participation. “My brother in law who wanted to inherit me now gives me respect and has shunned the idea, I am sure that before the end of the project, my live will change positively,” she continued. Agnes works every day for success. “I will ever remain grateful to Heifer International Cameroon, for her support to under privileged persons like me. I pray that the organization should live forever,” she concluded.

Motivated by Support

2011-02-01T10:45:00.000+05:00

Aaron Kah

Eyebe Marguerite 52 is a Heifer International Cameroon motivated farmer who received a gift of goats through her groupe des Femme Agricultrice et Eleveuse D’Efok in July 2008 in Obala Sub division some 48 km on the Yaounde – Bafia high way in Cameroon.

Marguerite is married to Eyebe Jean, 60 and they have nine children (3 girls and 6 boys).

Marguerite ended her primary education at her teens, because her parents were not interested in girl-child education. At the age of 17, in a bid to escape the tortures of poverty she got married to Eyebe Jean a secondary school teacher from another tribe in her sub division. Her husband’s meager salaries could not give them any better living. “Our main meal was cassava and starch” the woman recalled in distress at the time. Marguerite was not from the same tribe as her husband and that deprived her of social inclusion in the village. “I felt very inferior in the presence of other women as I hardly attended any meetings or gathering. I couldn’t express myself in public to tell anyone my situation” she lamented at the time. “In 1997 life became increasingly difficult” marguerite said.

Marguerite’s joined four Christian women to form a self help group as a best way of making ends meet. “We contributed 100FCFA (£ 0.14) from which members borrowed to purchase kerosene for lighting. We started farming maize on a 500 meter squares piece of land provided by the village head” the farmer said. The first harvest was 15Kg of maize. The group members shared the proceeds. “Because I ran the family alone this was not enough for our feeding” she believed. By April 2007, Marguerite’s group had increased to 20members (1man 19 women). “The same year, we met Groupe d’intiative Commune des Producteurs Vivrieres (PROV) that had benefited from (SACHIC) Send A Cow and Heifer International Cameroon assistance in 2006 and they gave us directives on how to get help. We applied and were lucky to receive assistance from SACHIC in July 2008” the farmer recounted.

Heifer International Cameroon brought Marguerite and her group member’s capacity building lessons on leadership and group dynamics, goat husbandry techniques, community animal health care, ethno veterinary practice, gender equity, construction and use of bio-sand filters, and non violent conflict management. Marguerite and other 19 members each received four goats, agricultural seeds and farm tools as an encouragement to put the knowledge in to practice. “My husband out of curiosity attended the training on gender equity” she said. The teachings inspired the man to support his wife in all their farming activities. Their children emulated this example and were supporting their parents in every way. In severely cultivating and composting their farm--- the couple harvested 1.5tons of maize as against 850kg, one ton of cassava as against 4500kg and 1750kg of vegetables as against 360kg. “Our nutrition had greatly improved in quality, quantity and variety” Marguerite said. Marguerite went to the market with the food crops and made income beyond her wildest dreams for their children school fee, hospital bills and emergency spending.

By dialoguing with her husband, Marguerite gained her freedom of social inclusion in the community.” I was able to attend several workshops, trainings on Bio-sand water purification and exhibitions organized by SACHIC within and out of Efok community” the farmer said. These trainings brought the woman a wealth of experience. She was the lone resource person in her community who spear headed the installation of the Bio sand water filters. The couple is also skillful in the processing of cassava by products. Their fame has gone beyond their community. Marguerite from her experiences had resumed many responsibilities in her community, she is secretary in Groupe d’innitiative commune des Femme Agricultrice et Eleveuse D’Efok and president of a conglomeration of 11 common initiative groups, and a social network under the National Participatory Development Programme in charge of family welfare. “My husband bought me a cell phone to facilitate communicate with all my association members” she boasted.

Marguerite and her husband have daring plans to pass on the gift when time comes but have evidently shown their willingness to do so by sharing their food crops with the poor and needy.

“I wish to thank SACHIC so much for having made us come out of hunger, poverty and misery. My family will live to ever remember SACHIC”. Marguerite concluded.

Caption: Eyebe facilitating bio-sand filter training and installation in Abono Community member happily collecting pure water from installed filter

Cameroon Travel

2011-01-28T21:28:00.000+05:00

Cameroon Lonely Planet
Cameroon at National Geographic
Cameroon Tourism
Cameroon Heritage sites pdf

Sima Hanna's hard work

2011-01-28T10:08:00.001+05:00

Aaron Kah

Sima Hanna is an appreciated beneficiary of a Heifer International Cameroon gift of sheep in Moutourwa subdivision of Mayo Kani division of the Far North Region of Cameroon. Hanna received her blessing through her GIC Djounoukom Vou of Mordok in 1999. She is mother of five children (3 boys, 3 girls), a girl in secondary school and two boys in primary school. The last two children are not yet of school going age.

Before Hanna braved poverty, she farmed by hand for a living almost like every woman in her community, low harvest and the lack of support from her spouse down played good yields. The woman also kept some small animals from which to source additional income but her little knowledge of proper animal husbandry left her and the animals at the same level.

Heifer International Cameroon responded to the plight of Hanna and her group members when they applied in 2009. A series of capacity building modules on leadership, group dynamic and management, compost making, improved sheep husbandry, gender equity, on HIV & AIDS and Heifer International cornerstones were handed down to the farmers. “In addition, I received a two-wheeled truck, improved seed varieties (cowpea, groundnut and maize) and four sheep (3 female and 1 ram)” Hanna said. The awareness unmasked the talent in Hanna as she intensified her farming activities; from the animals she got manure for her farms. “I harvested 200 kg of maize compared to 100 kg last farming season on the same piece of land” Hanna excited said about her progress. Observing the visible signs of development Hanna’s husband submitted to her plea for support at work. The husband’s untiring support in household chores and farm activities reflected visibly in their output. “I sold 100 kg of maize at 12,000FCFA ($24), spent 6,200FCFA ($12.4) on clothes and the rest on food during end of year festivities” the woman said. The family had plenty to feed on and that made the once impoverished family healthy.

Hanna with her sheep “Before Heifer International Cameroon’s assistance, I used to have on average of 20,000FCFA ($40) from sales of animals”. She said. Hanna earned 75,000 FCFA ($150) from the sale of three sheep at the beginning of the project. This was the base of her spending income. The couple is saving for rainy days. Their children are in school doing fine and their present renewed hope challenges the past “I now feel happy in my village as both men and women respect me for my ownership of animals” Hanna confirmed. The couple has vowed to show appreciation to the donations of Heifer International Cameroon with hard work. Their financial empowerment is also a motivation to share with the impoverished “I want to thank Heifer International Cameroon for what she has done to me and my family I pray God to continue to bless you all,” Hanna wished.

Children are the future of climte change

2011-01-26T17:04:00.000+05:00

Click to enlarge

CAT Drills Students on Renewable Energy

2011-01-26T17:02:00.000+05:00

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Every dau Cameroon

2011-01-21T15:14:00.000+05:00

Thanks here

About Centre for Appropriate Technology {CAT}

2011-01-11T16:04:00.000+05:00

Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT), is NGO based in Bamenda, Capital of North West Region in the Republic of Cameroon.

Vision of the NGO, founded in 2001, is development, presentation on exhibitions and promoting of appropriate technology. For men, do-it-yourself usage of appropriate technology gives a hope of independence from central technical infrastructure. And for women handmade dolls, dressed in traditional attires from the different provinces is a means of additional income generation in rural areas. CAT also involves children in different initiatives through Youngsters Club.

CAT has develop active cooperation with foreign NGOs like Technology Transfer and Training Centre in Pakistan, Institute for Planning and Consulting, German Society for the Development of Culture (DGFK) and Bamenda University of Science and Technology (B.U.S.T).

This blog, in addition to useful information about Cameroon (one of the most diverse African countries that is called Africa in Miniature) and its culture and people, will covers CAT initiatives and projects.

Mr Njini Victor is Programme Director and Sobe Manasse, Programme Coordinator and Assistant at CAT.

Douala - Gateway to Cameroon

2011-01-08T21:21:00.000+05:00

Douala is the capital of Cameroon’s Littoral Province and the largest city of the country. Most people know Cameroon, by Douala, in other words it is the identity of the country. Besides that, Douala also has another significant importance in the region as it is home to Cameroon’s largest port and its major international airport “Douala Airport”. Both airport and the “port” serve as gateway to not only Cameroon but also a connecting point for neighboring countries such as central Africa, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

In 1986, Douala became a Sister City of Philadelphia and Akhisar, Turkey mainly because it is the largest port in West Africa and the unofficial economic capital of the Cameroon. The richly diverse population that represents more than 130 ethnic groups in Douala was last estimated 1,448,300. The name “Douala” has its origin from early 17th century and it is believed that it was actually named after a tribe that settled in the coastal area of Cameroon.

Being the biggest port in the region, Douala serves as commercial capital of the country. Consequently, it handles most of the country’s major exports, such as oil, cocoa and coffee, timber, metals and fruits. This also makes Douala the richest city in the whole CEMAC region (Communauté Economique et Monetaire de l’Afrique Centrale), consisting of 11 African countries. Other countries, member of CEMAC are Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo. On an overall basis, the CEMAC region is rich in mineral resources, with oil and gas exports accounting for almost 80 per cent of the West African region’s total exports, however, despite the abundance of natural resources, the majority of the population in the member states still lives in a below poverty line conditions. The key institutional bodies of CEMAC, such as the Conference of Heads of State, the Council of Ministers and the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) are also based in Cameroon.

For a tourist, Douala is an excellent location situated on an estuary of the River Wouri that represents a delightful mosaic of colorful markets, historic churches and museums unfolding vibrant and rich African history. Also one prominent attraction is the equatorial forest on Douala’s outskirts that serves as a sanctuary for dozens of species of birds, animals and plants.

Volanta in Cameroon

2011-01-07T14:18:00.000+05:00

Cameroon Currency

2011-01-01T20:14:00.000+05:00

Cameroon Currency is Communaute Financiere Africaine franc or CFA franc in short. One CFA is equivalent to 100 centimes. The currency of Cameroon is under the monetary area of France and tied to the Euro. The currency issued by the Bank of Central African States is valid in Cameroon.

Cameroon currency is available in notes and coins. Notes of Cameroon are of the denominations CFA franc !0,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500 while the denominations of coins in Cameroon are CFA franc 250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 1. The Conversion rate of Cameroon currency is as follows: 1 US Dollar is equivalent to 482.460 CFA Franc or 1 CFA franc is equivalent to 0.002073 US Dollar.

The import and export of the currency of Cameroon is subject to certain restrictions. The import of Cameroon currency is limited to CFA franc 20,000 whereas the export of the local currency depends on the purpose of the tour. Export for tourism purposes is limited to CFA franc 20,000 while for business purposes it is CFA franc 450,000.

Import and export of foreign currency is allowed in Cameroon. The Euro is easily exchanged into Cameroon currency, as is the US Dollar. Credit and debit cards are accepted in limited airports and hotels. Travelers cheques other than those in Euro have an additional charge.

About Cameroon

2011-01-01T13:44:00.000+05:00

Top Ten Attractions In Douala, Cameroon

2010-11-30T13:42:00.000+05:00

Douala is the commercial Capital of Cameroon. Also, it is the hub of international arrivals. What makes Douala more appealing than the rest of Africa is the fact that it offers dozens of attraction, entertainment opportunities and fun spots yet far below the cost any other destination may incur. Accommodations in Douala are also very reasonable priced.

On out count doesn’t, the first attraction of Douala is its weather, its not very African I mean that the heat does not raise unbearable levels even in day times. The tropical climate is just as perfect to enjoy the great deals this city has to offer its visitors.
The second is the affordability, as cheap flights to Douala Cameroon and accommodations are available with plenty of low cost airline if reserved timely.
Thirdly, like the rest of African continent, Cameroon is rich in wildlife abundance. The Lobeke National Park Douala is home to extraordinary yet typical African Wildlife, the gem of an African Holiday.
Another attraction, forth to say, is the Baka Pygmies, claimed to be the most indigenous of all tribes in the whole wide world.
Fifth attraction is the Mount Cameroon the highest point in Western Africa.
Other than the highest point, the sixth attraction of the city is the active Volcano at the Cameroon Mountain. It also offers climbing expeditions.
Number seven, are the areas around the famous river Wouri. It is famous for the stunning views of Gulf of Guinea in the mango swamps alongside its developed areas.
An eight attraction is the hotel Akwa Palace, a must to see.
Also Eko Market is the ninth on the list.

Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Harbor, our tenth attraction of Douala the tropical city of Cameroon Africa.

FIFA Fines Haan for Dumping Cameroon

2010-11-27T11:59:00.002+05:00

FIFA has slapped a total fine of US$700,000 on Dutch coach Arie Haan for abandoning his post as Cameroon coach.

The world governing body ordered the Dutch football legend to pay the heavy fine to the Cameroon FA for breaching his contract.

Haan has until the end of this month to appeal against the decision.

Cameroon FA reported Haan to FIFA in March 2007 after he abandoned his post, failing to fulfil the condition of living in the African country to work.

"The decision was rendered by FIFA's Players' Status Commission on November 16 in Zurich," Cameroon FA announced.

"The litigation between the two parties was based on the unilateral termination of the contract between the Dutch coach and Fecafoot.

"Arie Haan has 30 days from being notified of the decision to pay the fine."

Haan was appointed coach of the Indomitable Lions in in August 2006 on a two-year contract.

But the team struggled to post good results and Haan refused to stay in the country even though he had signed a contract to work in Cameroon.

He quit the post in January 2007 but the Cameroon FA reported him to FIFA two months later claiming he abandoned his post. [Via]

Cat structure

2010-11-10T08:44:00.000+05:00

{Click to Enlarge}

Cameroon

2010-10-25T12:40:00.000+05:00

Africa in Miniature

2010-10-13T14:15:00.001+05:00

The Republic of Cameroon is primarily known around the world for just two things: football and music. But number of are aware that this nation is also teeming with tourism attractions that can’t be found elsewhere. Cameroon, whose majestic natural beauty is really a aspect in luring visitors in, enjoys a more stable political and social system compared to other African nations. With this, travelers to Cameroon are treated to a a lot more urbanized experience.

You’ll find a hodgepodge of cultural groups scattered across the region which brought about some 200 linguistic groups. In spite of the variety and differences, The Republic of Cameroon has a small but thriving tourism industry. If your in the country, it pays to go to the Waza National Park, which is the biggest and best-run wildlife reserve in West Africa. Right here, holidaymakers can opt to go on a safari trip and see the iconic African animals few have seen in real life such as gorillas, rhinoceroses, chimpanzees, elephants and even hioppopotami or participate in big-game hunting.

Those who are looking for relaxation will also discover what they’re searching for in Cameroon. Unknown to many, the beach towns of Limbe and Kribi are the eventual beach getaway in Africa. Limbe is in fact an English-speaking town with black-sand beaches even though the Kribi population speaks French and boasts of pleasurable white-sand beaches.

Newbie African travelers ought to be ready to face poor transport choices and now and again even accommodations despite Cameroon being far more stable than other countries within the continent. This, although, does not imply that the attractions and wonders to be observed in Cameroon are equally as bad due to the fact they’re not.

Traveling to Cameroon is an epic adventure that ought to be made at least once in any adventure-seeker’s life. Besides, the Cameroonian government wouldn’t be promoting their land as “Africa in Miniature” for nothing. [Via]

Related: Cameroon

Your choice?

2010-10-09T08:56:00.000+05:00

(Click image to enlarge)
CAT, Centre for Appropriate Technology, Bamenda
www.camcatbam.com

Natural system, Open System or Closed System; what is your choice?

CAT Involves Children in Fight Against Climate Change

2010-10-05T11:36:00.000+05:00

{Click to enlarge}

The first lady

2010-09-30T08:14:00.003+05:00

There’s something wonderfully iconoclastic in Biya’s gigantic, expressive mane. The 39-year-old first lady of Cameroon has popularized her “banane” and other flamboyant styles, pairing them with bold clothes (she favors designers like Hermès and Christian Dior) to come up with a complete look that is known in Cameroon as—what else?—“the Chantal Biya.” That said, it’s unlikely the bananes and Biyas will look as fantastic on anyone but Chantal Biya. [Via]

B.U.S.T - Prof Asanji Prof Dr. Norbert Pintsch Mr Victor

2010-09-27T11:33:00.000+05:00

Michelle Obama hosts UN spouses at NY farm

2010-09-25T15:40:00.000+05:00

Michelle Obama and Chantal Biya

First lady Michelle Obama gave her healthy eating initiative a global showcase Friday when she hosted spouses of world leaders at a farm north of New York City, treating them to a seasonal lunch featuring bounty from the farm and the White House garden.

The spouses, who came from places as diverse as Cameroon, Mongolia, Swaziland and Latvia, toured the Stone Barns Center about 25 miles north of New York, which is both a farm and an educational center working on sustainable farming — a cause close to the first lady's heart.

And it shares the premises with one of the most renowned restaurants in the New York area, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, where the women lunched on sungold tomatoes from the White House Kitchen Garden, eggs harvested minutes earlier from the farm's chickens, and chicken with eggplant and ratatouille — also from the White House garden.

Addressing the spouses, Mrs. Obama, wearing an appropriately floral-and foliage-themed print dress by designer Tracy Feith, emphasized the importance of children learning directly about the food they eat. Also participating in the day's events were third-graders from two local schools, who helped prepare the lunch (and their own, too) by harvesting eggs and collecting herbs.

"Many kids may never learn that ketchup comes from a tomato and french fries from a potato," Mrs. Obama said. "Because they're disconnected from the food they eat."

And speaking of tomatoes, the first lady related a story about how daughter Sasha had been a tomato-phobe — until she made her own tomato, mozzarella and pesto sandwich in a cooking class at school. "Do you know those hair tomatoes?" she asked her mother, referring to heirloom tomatoes, Mrs. Obama recounted. "Now THOSE are good tomatoes!"

Now, Mrs. Obama said, Sasha is a fan. "We can do that with our children," she added.

Given the farm tour, many opted for comfortable shoes — Mrs. Obama wore silver ballet flats, for example — but a few guests showed up in stiletto heels, which made for an interesting trip along the dirt paths.

When the spouses arrived at the chicken coop, they joined children already there, who were placing eggs into small baskets and dutifully depositing their baskets with a farm staffer.

Next stop: the herb garden, where Mrs. Obama told the kids: "We're counting on you for our lunch today!" Joining her in the garden was Hayrunnisa Gul, the Turkish first lady, among a few others.

The day's meal was prepared by the restaurant's top chef and co-owner, Dan Barber, as well as three White House chefs who flew up for the occasion: Cristeta Comerford, Bill Yosses and Sam Kass, who is active in the first lady's anti-obesity initiative.

The spouses were serenaded by a string quartet from the Juilliard School in New York City as they ate.

And yes, there was dessert: sacher cake, a chocolate treat that was accompanied by red jacket apricots and "White House honey sorbet."

The guests left the farm well fed but also not empty-handed: Mrs. Obama presented each one with a maplewood basket containing pickled, hand-picked goods from her Kitchen Garden; chamomile seeds, also from the garden; a clay tea canister; and a soy candle with a silver imprint of the White House on both sides.

International Day for Technology and Property Rights

2010-09-17T13:51:00.000+05:00

International Day for Technology and Property Rights was celebrated at the Chamber of Commerce in Yaounde on Monday 13th September. It was highlighted by an exhibition of inventions produced by some Cameroonians. On the sideline of the exhibitions, some inventors were lectured on how to obtain protection for their products through the acquisition of property rights, by the Director in Charge of Property Rights in the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Technological Development.

They were also informed on some measures by government in the sector notably; the putting in place of a fund to assist inventors in Cameroon obtains author’s rights and the creation of a data-based centre for their creation amongst others.

Top Cameroon Blogs

2010-09-09T22:44:00.003+05:00

Every country is best characterized by its bloggers and the quality of blogs coming from there. Given my interest in Cameron, I have been looking for top Cameroon blogs and bloggers. Here is part of my selection.

Scribbles From the Den
Cameroon
River Of Prawns
Young People in Action

Lonely Planet on Cameroon
PNT's Attitude
Bright Fuh
Poverty News Blog
Cameroon Tribune
Cameroon - A Paradise of Bees
The African Gourmet
The Chia Report
Cameroon Tribune
Wandering Savage

Suggestions are welcome. Please feel free to indicate if I you know any Cameroon blogs or bloggers. I am sure there are many.

Cellphones can offer lifeline

2010-09-08T13:35:00.000+05:00

By Cecilia Kang
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 8, 2010

For the world's poorest, cellphone technology carries opportunity, aid groups say, as text messages and other mobile applications have created a new platform to reach the most remote farms and crowded urban slums of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The Grameen Foundation, a Washington-based group known for helping women with the smallest of business loans, has two dozen people in a technology lab here developing mobile Internet applications to help spread its microfinance model. It's warning farmers in Uganda about banana crop rot through text messages and collecting data on spreadsheet applications on smartphones.

And the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has dedicated $12 million to help village farmers in Tanzania, Cameroon and Rwanda save money through electronic mobile-phone deposits. It has launched a $10 million contest in Haiti to fund the best mobile banking ideas to channel earthquake relief to people who would otherwise stand in long lines at overwhelmed bank branches to collect cash.

In all, 5 billion cellphones are in use globally, and the most aggressive adoption is coming from low-income and poor communities, where the low cost of phones and the availability of cell networks even in remote areas has fueled the rapid growth. The innovations in development programs are relatively new, and it's too early to predict their success. Political instability and dictatorships make it hard to work with telecom service providers, and some central banks are reluctant to cooperate with companies that could take away their control over their citizens' finances.

Even so, cellphones have broken through bureaucracies and are reaching many who traditionally have been isolated from help. A basic phone that sends text messages can cost $20. A family or village can share one phone, with each person switching out cheap SIM memory cards for access. Kenya and Uganda have mobile broadband networks rivaling those in the United States and Europe that support the iPhone and BlackBerry.

"Mobile penetration is at almost every single level of geography and income, and given that situation, we are asking how that technology can be used to increase social and economic benefits," said Chris Locke, managing director of development programs for GSM World, a global wireless trade group.

Cellphones are being adopted faster than even the most basic services, such as routine medical care and schools. GSM World predicts there will be 1.7 billion cellphone users by 2012 without a bank account. The nonprofit Consultative Group to Assist the Poor estimates that 150 million people receive regular social welfare payments but that fewer than 25 percent of them have a bank account in which to deposit those funds, save and build assets. Much of that is because bank branches aren't available in rural areas and transaction costs are high.

As such, the Gates Foundation is trying to replicate a popular electronic banking program in Kenya in 19 other nations, including Cameroon and Tanzania. Through M-PESA, a joint venture launched by a British development fund and Vodafone, a Kenyan farmer can deposit a few dollars of cash with a local shop owner who converts the cash into electronic currency through a mobile text message sent to a city bank. A local telecom provider acts as the armored money vehicle, circulating the money electronically, and a bank manages the deposits so that even the poorest people can save money - a key to breaking out of poverty, aid workers say.

"Savings is an option everyone should have but is not available to the poorest because of the transaction costs and because there is simply no business case for a bank to set up a branch where the poorest live," said Ignacio Mas, deputy director of financial services for the Gates Foundation. "That's where mobile technology comes in. It allows for even $5 to be converted into electronic value without the high costs like never before."

A bank branch transaction costs $2.50 in the Philippines, but if done on a mobile phone can be reduced to 50 cents or lower, according to CGAP. The cost to set up a village shop as a bank agent is relatively low, the group said, and studies in Africa show that mobile banking agents at village shops are generating more cellphone banking transactions on the continent than Western Union.

Mobile phones have also spurred programs in health, agricultural and educational development.

In the past two months, Grameen has registered 500 expectant parents in the Kassena-Nankana area of Ghana, near the border with Burkina Faso, to receive free, regular phone calls and text messages guiding them through pregnancy. At week seven in the pregnancy, a parent receives a text reminder to take a malaria vaccination. At week 37, the parent is told that contrary to myth, eating fruits such as mango and proteins such as eggs is nutritious and won't harm the fetus.

Grameen's founder, Muhammad Yunus, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for micro-lending aimed at women in Bangladesh and other impoverished nations.

A former Microsoft executive set up Grameen's technology lab in Seattle three years ago and attracted two dozen high-tech veterans to come up with Web and mobile phone solutions for the developing world.

In a partnership with Google and Uganda's government-run wireless service provider, Grameen launched a smartphone application last year that allows a community worker on the ground to visit local farmers and deliver information on crop disease and weather. That worker - an entrepreneur funded by Grameen - also collects data on farming trends and sends it through a smartphone to Uganda's agricultural regulatory agency.

"Tech is an enabler, not the end goal," said David Edelstein, vice president of technology programs for Grameen. "It's about putting information into people's hands and empowering them."

Wild bush meat and French pastries

2010-09-01T15:05:00.001+05:00

Wild bush meat and French pastries.

If you’re going to stereotype Cameroon, that’s just about the best way to do it. This unusual food combination stems from Cameroon’s origins, in 1961, when this African country formed from the union of two colonies, one British and one French.

Like most coastal African countries, the people on the shore towns of Cameroon rely on fish, serving them up grilled, fried, steamed in banana leaves, or stewed with plantains, corn, yams, or beans on the side. Further inland, dinnertime gets a little more bizarre, as mice, snakes, and monkeys are hunted in the bush and stewed with a little water, tomato or peanut sauce.

Most meals are served with fu-fu (soft, starchy mixtures pounded into a paste – often cassava), millet, or rice.

Peanuts, called groundnuts in Africa, are particularly plentiful in this region. They make their way into sauces, stewed vegetables (like bitterleaf greens), breads and desserts. Spicy peanut sauces are poured over fried fish, chicken, and meat. Perhaps the most addicting way the urban Cameroonians eat peanuts is spread on baguettes or in croissants, then heated in the oven until warm and gooey.

Cameroon grows many tropical fruits, including the mighty mango. One traveler recounts the mango daiquiris on his trip to Cameroon as the best daiquiris he’s ever had. This is surely thanks to the high sugar content of a perfectly ripe mango, nectar so sweet it makes your eyes water. [Via]

Technic and Culture?

2010-08-30T11:36:00.000+05:00

Dry Fruit Stall

2010-08-26T21:17:00.001+05:00

Bafaws Showcase Their Culture

2010-08-25T14:39:00.000+05:00

It was during a grand cultural festival organized in Yaounde last Saturday. he Bafaws from the national and international spheres converged on Yaounde, August 20-21st, to display their rich culture. The event, massively attended, was their grand cultural festival. It was a time of stock taking, with much from the Bafaws on the spotlight. Exhibitions on some prominent Bafaws were on the limelight. Visitors were also thrilled to typical Bafaw tradition through sketches, displays of some classical Bafaw dishes. Also notable during the event was the display of traditional, modern and theatrical pieces by the famous dramatist, Victor Elame Musinga of the Musinga Drama Group International. It was veritable display of the microcosm of what Cameroon has in terms of culture.

Speaking at the grand cultural evening, the Coordinator of the Organising Committee, Mrs Lydia Efimba, said the cultural jamboree, dubbed "The Bafaw in National Unity and Development", was to celebrate the Bafaw culture and also reassert their commitment to national unity and integration. "This commitment started decades ago when many Cameroonians and foreigners fleeing from areas of conflict, crossed hostile zones to find haven in Bafaw land. They found a peaceful people that not only welcomed 'strangers' but also encouraged them to settle down with their families and prosper. This gesture of friendliness and good neighbourliness has contributed in no small way in ensuring peace in our country", she said.

Minister Ama Tutu Muna of Culture hailed the Bafaws for their rich cultural heritage and their move in fostering national peace. She said culture is one's identity that needs not only to be promoted, but also to be preserved.

Nfon Victor Eseminsongo Muteke, Paramount Chief of the Bafaws, representing the ten chiefs of the tribe was treated to a wonderful display of the Njoma dance, reserved for chiefs. He couldn't hide his happiness by joining the dance group, an act that is rare in the Bafaw land.

It is worthy to note that the Mbum m'Bafaw cultural festival has always held in the various ten villages that make up the Bafaw clan. It was the first time the jamboree went national. According to the organisers, this move was to revive their culture and draw people to subsequent editions of the Mbum in Kumba or any of the Bafaw villages. It is hoped that the upcoming event, will promote cultural tourism and boost economic activities.

The Bafaws, are a Bantu people, covering a total area of 247.8 square kilometres, found in the 10 villages of North Kumba, Meme Division, in the South West Region of Cameroon.

Your Madness Not Mine: Stories of Cameroon (Ohio RIS Africa Series)

2010-08-23T13:37:00.002+05:00

Women's writing in Cameroon has so far been dominated by Francophone writers. The short stories in this collection represent the yearnings and vision of an Anglophone woman, who writes both as a Cameroonian and as a woman whose life has been shaped by the minority status her people occupy within the nation state.

The stories in Your Madness, Not Mine are about post colonial Cameroon, but especially about Cameroonian women, who probe their day to day experiences of survival and empowerment as they deal with gender oppression from patriarchal expectations to the malaise of maldevelopment, unemployment, and the attraction of the West for young Cameroonians.

The Bafaws

2010-08-20T15:10:00.000+05:00

The Bafaw community has for the past years organised cultural jamborees in the ten villages that make up the clan to uphold their cultural heritage. This year, the cultural group has decided to hold this great event in the nation's capital to better sell their image to the national and international communities. The Grand Bafaw Cultural Festival to hold at the Younde Conference Centre from August 20-21 aims at showcasing the rich cultural diversity and dynamism of the people of Bafaw.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the event, the General Coordinator, Mrs Lydia B.Efimba, said it is a custom, period of stock taking, feasting and above all an occasion to attract and promote cultural tourism as well as boost economic exchanges. The festival will hold under the theme, "The Bafaw in Unity and Development". To Dr. Col. Ashu Balimba, adviser to the Bafaw Cultural and Development Association, BAFCUDA, unity is engrained in the fabric of the Bafaw people. Before independence, one of the shining stars of Cameroon's Independence and Reunification who fought with logic and steadmanship was a paramount chief of Bafaw, he said.

To further justify the theme, he said the community is blessed with fertile land and is the first to get involved in large scale cocoa farming. They further moved from cocoa to rubber and to coffee and timber exploitation, he continued. By so doing, the Bafaws have and are still contributing enormously to the development of Cameroon, Col. Ashu concluded. At a time of strife in Cameroon, the Bafaw people played the role of "trouble shooters", the General Coordinator corroborated. However, the plight of the Bafaw people like others in the different corners of the country is to see the area better developed. "As Oliver twist who asked for more, our wish is to see more roads constructed in this part of the country", she underlined.

For two days, a lot on Bafaw cultural heritage will be on the spot light. They include; an exhibition of the Bafaw artefacts, their past in music in all its forms; traditional, choral and modern. Theatrical display by the Dramatist, Victor Elame Musinga, of the famous Musinga Drama Group International, and a display of traditional dishes.

The Bafaws, a Bantu people, covering a total area of 247.8 square kilometres, found in the 10 villages of North Kumba, Meme Division, in the South West Region of Cameroon, have a rich culture that is fast being windswept, and need urgent revival, reason for a grand cultural jamboree.

Regarding the construction project

2010-08-18T15:58:00.000+05:00

“The Royal Rehabilitation Centre” (RHC)

and

“The Royal Humanitarian Development Reformation Centre” (RHDRC)

in the north-west region of Cameroon.

The traditional forms of medicine from Africa, Asia and South America appear to enjoy a popularity even in the classic industrialized countries, where there is a growing recognition of the ancient knowledge of the east. Even the global pharmaceutical industry sends teams into far away regions to profit from the knowledge of the local people.

In Africa the Republic of Cameroon is specially known in this context due to the personal attention of HRE Ambassador Dr Simon Leshey (I), King of African Cameroon Natural Healers, and representative of the Royal Development Cooperation Foundation. He is also the founder of the RHC and the RHDRC project.

The advisors of the King recommend measures for maintaining the traditional culture while keeping in mind the general economic situation and with the aim to keep the running costs as low as possible.

It is for this reason that the traditional construction forms, local materials, using natural lighting and ventilation as well as flexibility and autonomy of the infra-structure should be utilized and promoted. These goals are not possible to be achieved through the usual western-oriented technology. The current project is therefore also in this context extremely important.

CAT (NGO) has over 10 years of local experience in the field of Appropriate Technology. The NGO has received award from the president of the republic as well as prizes also in the individual regions.

With the assistance of the advisor to HRE Ambassador Dr Simon Leshey (I) it was possible to develop a team of experts, who shall take up the described challenges.