Agriculture: Plantain Multiplication

Today, youths constitute over 60% of Africa’s population and Cameroon alike. This group of persons are also considered vulnerable to violent conflict, crime, abuse and what have you. On the other hand, they are extremely resourceful in community development. It is with this in mind that we took the challenge to educate and engage 10 youths of the municipality in the domain of agriculture; specifically, on plantain propagation.

Buea is considered to be one of the most suitable agricultural space in the country. In fact, it is referred to as Cameroon in miniature due to its rich volcanic soil and other environmental variables that support crop diversity. With the increasing population in the area as a result of socio-political conflict, education, job hunting, or socio-cultural ties (to name but a few), the demand for food supply is on a daily increase; likewise the demand for farming space.

In this light, efficiency in food production through intensive rather than extensive farming is very paramount if we are to effectively meet up with these demands and at the same time make peace with the environment.

Through this, these youths have been trained and have acquired the necessary skills and know-how on how to select good mother plants for multiplication, how to prepare the comb and how to construct a propagator; in short, they have mastered the winning process. These stills will ensure a high and quality output, resistant plantlets and disease-free seedlings — thus, a cost-effective and space efficient farming system. This program is intended to train over 2500 youths and to provide each of the trainees with 100 plantain plantlets after every training session by 2025.

Preparation of combs

Treatment of combs

Inserting combs in the propagator

This will facilitate a peer education process among the youths, thus creating a positive behavioral influence. Moreover, we intend to continue educating, empowering and engaging our young people in positive developmental activities like smart agriculture, modern beekeeping, sustainable ecotourism and live skill development. The engagement of youths in meaningful community or live skill development activities like this is to help reduce their risk of vulnerability.