Voice of Nature (VoNat) has expanded its Agroforestry Programme to the communities of Bonakanda, Bova, and neighboring villages, reaching more than 50 smallholder farmers with Acacia and Soursop tree seedlings. These trees will enhance soil fertility, provide sustainable fuelwood, and boost local livelihoods, while also playing a crucial role in restoring degraded farmlands and supporting the conservation of Mount Cameroon National Park, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
This initiative is part of VoNat’s Endangered Species of Mount Cameroon Conservation Programme, implemented with support from the New England Biolabs Foundation. It builds upon earlier outreach in Bokova, CEAC, and Bwitingi, where another 50 farmers benefitted, strengthening VoNat’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable farming, community well-being, and biodiversity conservation across the Mount Cameroon landscape.
Beyond the trees, the project is planting hope and reviving dead soils. For Ometa Moses, a farmer from Bonakanda, the trees symbolize a legacy for the next generation. “If I plant the acacia, I will trim it for firewood. The soursop will grow fast, and I know I will enjoy the fruits. I am planting some around my compound and others on my big farms. We are very happy for these trees because they are not only for us but for the future of our children. I am collecting them mostly for them, not for me,” he said
For Padi Tete, another farmer, the training opened new possibilities. “This is my first time seeing Acacia trees. I hae learned that they improve soil fertility, their leaves can feed our animals, and the branches can be used as firewood. I believe we will benefit a lot from these trees,” he added.
Sophie Lyonga, also from Bonakanda, echoed similar enthusiasm after learning how the trees contribute to soil health: “The roots give nitrogen to the farm, the leaves are good for mulching and feeding animals, and the branches can serve as firewood. We have planted several Acacia trees at our farm boundaries.”
For Andreas Mbua, a young student, the experience was both educational and inspiring: “This is my first time seeing these kinds of trees. I have learned that some are medicinal and help boost agriculture. I am happy to have learned about them, this is only my second time planting a tree, but my first time planting these species.”
Through this initiative, VoNat is demonstrating how community-driven agroforestry can restore ecosystems, improve local livelihoods, and nurture environmental stewardship among youth and adults alike. Each seedling planted is a step toward a more sustainable future, where conservation is rooted not just in the soil, but in the hearts of the people.
By Ndimuh Bertrand Shancho