In many of the communities where SEKAKOH works, particularly around the Dibamba section of Cameroon’s Ebo Forest landscape, farming remains both a livelihood and a daily risk.

A farmer may prepare the land carefully, plant at the right time and work throughout the season—only to lose much of the harvest because of pests, unpredictable rainfall, poor roads or falling market prices.

At SEKAKOH, we believe that rural families need more than support for a single farming season. They need livelihood opportunities that can grow stronger over time.

That is why we are working with communities to plant something different: long-term hope.

Agroforestry as an Alternative Source of Income

Agroforestry involves growing trees and food crops together on the same farmland. The crops can provide food and income today, while economic trees gradually create additional sources of food, income and financial security for the future.

It is a practical approach with benefits that can continue for more than 20 years.

When properly managed, economic trees can help farming families diversify their income instead of depending entirely on crops such as cassava, cocoyams or maize. They also contribute to healthier soils, improved water retention and greater resilience to changing weather conditions.

For communities living close to the Ebo Forest, agroforestry can support livelihoods while reducing pressure on surrounding natural resources.

The Communities Chose What They Wanted to Plant

Earlier in 2026, SEKAKOH organised a community workshop at the Somakek Health Centre Hall with support from donors, sectoral partners and community volunteers.

The process was based on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Community members were given the opportunity to discuss their priorities and freely identify the economic tree species they wanted to grow.

This was important because successful community conservation cannot be imposed from outside. The people who will plant, care for and eventually harvest the trees must be involved in making the decisions from the beginning.

Following the consultations, SEKAKOH sourced high-yield seeds selected by the communities and established a community nursery containing approximately 500 seeds.

More Than 400 Seedlings Planted on Local Farms

In early June 2026, more than 400 economic tree seedlings were distributed and planted on farms across four communities:

• Kopongo
• Bienkok
• Poutjouma
• Nkun

SEKAKOH worked directly with farmers to plant the seedlings in their fields. Because the trees are growing alongside existing crops, families can continue producing food while caring for a longer-term source of income.

The selected high-value trees included:

• Plums and pears: for household nutrition and local market sales
• Coconut: for food, oil production and a dependable market
• Mandarins: for relatively early returns and strong local demand

These are not simply seedlings. Each tree represents the possibility of recurring harvests, stronger household income and greater resilience when annual crops fail.

Voices from the Farms

What’s Mammy Mado, farmer, Poutjouma Villagethe problem?

“Before, I planted only cassava and cocoyams. If the market price was bad, the roads were blocked or disease attacked the crops, that was the end for me and my children. Now, with these mandarin and plum trees SEKAKOH gave me, I know that in three years I will have something to sell every season. This is my savings.”

For participating farmers, the project is already changing how they think about their future.

“Before, I planted only cassava and cocoyams. If the market price was bad, the roads were blocked or disease attacked the crops, that was the end for me and my children. Now, with these mandarin and plum trees SEKAKOH gave me, I know that in three years I will have something to sell every season. This is my savings.”

— Mammy Mado, farmer, Poutjouma Village

Traditional leaders also recognise the long-term importance of investing in economic trees.

“As Village Head of Somakek, my duty is to see that my people do not suffer tomorrow. These trees are not just for food. They are for our children’s future. SEKAKOH has brought us something that will remain on this land long after we are gone. We thank them, and we ask others to join.”

— His Majesty Limis Salmon, Village Head of Somakek

Why This Work Matters

More Diverse and Reliable Income

When farming families depend on only one or two seasonal crops, a poor harvest or sudden fall in market prices can affect the entire household.

Economic trees create additional products that can be harvested and sold at different times. If one crop performs poorly, income from fruit or other tree products may help the family recover.

Stronger Farms in a Changing Climate

Trees provide shade, help protect the soil, retain moisture and reduce erosion. Their roots can improve soil structure, while fallen leaves return organic matter to the land.

These benefits make farms more resilient to dry spells, heavy rainfall and other climate-related pressures.

Benefits That Can Last for Generations

A bag of fertiliser may improve production for one season. A well-maintained fruit tree can continue feeding a family and generating income for many years.

The trees planted today may benefit not only the farmers caring for them, but also their children and future generations.

Conservation That Includes People

Communities around the Ebo Forest depend on natural resources for food and income. Lasting conservation must therefore address both environmental protection and human wellbeing.

By supporting sustainable livelihoods on existing farms, agroforestry can help families improve their income without increasing pressure on the forest.

Help Us Grow from 400 to 2,000 Seedlings

Planting more than 400 seedlings is a promising beginning, but thousands of farmers across Ebo Forest communities could benefit from similar support.

With additional partnerships, SEKAKOH plans to:

1. Scale up distribution to 2,000 economic tree seedlings during the next planting season and progressively increase the number in subsequent seasons.
2. Train 200 farmers in tree care, grafting, sustainable agroforestry and access to local markets.
3. Monitor seedling survival, tree growth, harvests and household income so that communities, partners and donors can see the project’s long-term impact.
4. Strengthen community nurseries to provide a sustainable local source of healthy economic tree seedlings.
5. Extend the initiative to more forest-dependent communities that are ready to participate.

Let Us Grow the Future Together

A 50-kilogram bag of fertiliser helps a farmer for one season.

A fruit tree can help a family for a lifetime.

Your partnership can place more seedlings in the hands of farmers, provide practical training and create sources of income that grow year after year.

Together, we can strengthen rural livelihoods, fight poverty, restore degraded landscapes and support the protection of Cameroon’s Ebo Forest.

Partner with SEKAKOH and help us plant the next 2,000 trees.

Email: info@sekakoh.org

SEKAKOH — Sowing seeds to fight climate change and poverty.