I am Walo Michel, the president of the Agropastoral Group of Moussapoula. I practice fruit farming, fish farming, beekeeping and general agriculture. It all started following an awareness campaign from Redd+ which motivated us to start farming and as we are in a conservation area, I also chose to engage in these activities to help preserve our environment.
My apprenticeship started with the IUCN which introduced us to agricultural techniques such as grafting and layering. Then, ICRAF via the k project funded by FTNS took over to strengthen our knowledge and provide us with the basic means to facilitate our production.
Despite the discouragement of the other participants, I clung to this vision which seemed very good to me. Today, my family and I grow safou, palm fruits, moringa, cola and other fruit trees. Thanks to the support of FTNS and the k project, we were able to produce our first cocoa fruits in 2020 despite our sandy soils, a first in the region. I also raise pigs, ducks, bees and fish. My activities allow me to take care of my wife and my 10 children.
While thanking FTNS and Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas for their support. However, we still have many needs. For these initiatives to be more productive, we need more equipment and knowledge. My dream is to see many people in my community become involved as I have done and for this I suggest continued and close assistance to members of our community.
