IAA Cameroon reaps the rewards of sustainability

by fiohint@uk · 14th March 2026

From seed distribution

To planting out

to harvesting

IAA receives international recognition with prestigious award

1) RECENT AWARD RECOGNITION

Regenerative Agriculture/Agroforestry, IAA has been honored as National Winner of 2024 Energy Globe Award.

The project aimed at training small-holder farmers in regenerative agriculture techniques and agroforestry. Specifically the project focused on climate adaption, carbon sequestration and conservation agriculture techniques, including the use of cover crops; “no till” practices, rotating crops, conserving water. Primarily using native crop varieties and trees to manage pests.

These approaches not only contribute to long term climate resilience, but also increase productivity, decrease farming input costs, and improve soil fertility. The project also increased local availability of safe, quality vegetables and fruits for the poorest and most vulnerable populations in the region. IAA trains and supports rural smallholder farmers in conservation agriculture and agroforestry. We promote sustainable practices that reduce water and chemical use, prevent land degradation, and protect biodiversity.

2) ANNUAL WORLD OF DIFFERENCE AWARD 2022

Founder and Executive Director of Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA): Dungrila Pascal Mbimenyuy has been selected and recognized by TIAW as a 2022 extraordinary man under the champion of Women’s Economic Empowerment in Cameroon

The World of Difference Awards – recognize up to 100 women (and men) around the world whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or worldwide.

Since 2017, Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA) under the leadership of Dungrila Pascal Mbimenyuy has supported thousands of women directly through sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship and livelihood projects in rural communities within Cameroon.

Other News:

One Young World Ambassadors in Cameroon met with The British High Commissioner to Cameroon

Dungrila Pascal and other One Young World Ambassadors had a meeting with The British High Commissioner to Cameroon, on the 9th of November 2023, at his residence in Bastos, Yaounde. One Young World Ambassadors spent a great moment together with the British High Commissioner, sharing ideas and experiences of their organizations and activities in their respective communities.

Dungrila had the opportunity to have a site meeting with the British High Commissioner, where he discussed the mission, objectives and activities of IAA with the BHC and explored opportunities for possible collaboration and to secure support for Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA).

3) THE CURRENT PROJECT 2025

The ongoing project aimed at increasing local availability of safe, quality vegetables and empower conflict affected women and communities to enhance food security. In addition achieving nutritional balance for 100 households, through diversification of diets of the poorest segments of the vulnerable populations in Kumbo, Bui Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon. The project targeted diverse groups of beneficiaries including; ethnic communities, female-headed households, newly settled families, resource-poor herders and smallholder farmers, and other vulnerable groups without access to secure livelihood. The objective was to implement and mainstream innovative, sustainable, affordable and regenerative approaches to improve food security amongst 100 of the most vulnerable people in Kumbo area. Also to enhance the capacity of resource-poor and poverty-stricken farmers and herders at low income brackets through training and support to produce a wide variety of vegetables like onions, cabbages, carrots, pepper, Irish potato, huckleberry. Using regenerative practices with integrated social ownership, management and involvement. In response to global climate change, the project also aimed at promoting conservation agriculture, which is the foundation of climate-smart agriculture to help vulnerable communities understand the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and how to reduce their carbon footprint.

The grant from The Embassy of Switzerland in Cameroon and Earth Rising Foundation with support from Seed Programs International has helped Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA) to strengthen the country’s food system in light of changing weather patterns and other challenges caused by the ongoing armed conflict in NW/SW regions and strengthen the affected communities with outreach and support. With the grants received in August 2023 and April 2024, IAA have reached 1028 people directly, from diverse backgrounds; including women, men and youths with essential gardening skills, nutritional education and agroforestry resources and skills, created awareness about climate change through environmental education outreach We have helpied to achieve larger goals like food security, adequate nutrition, increased livelihood opportunities, climate smart or resilient agriculture, community building and gender equality for thousands of people in the following ways:

i.) Community Development: IAA boosted its integrated demonstration garden in Kumbo with land capacity of 5 hectares, which will serve as a community hub for learning and access to planting resources. The garden involves an apiary, seed multiplication, agroforestry promotion, hands-on learning on ecological and bee farming and the distribution of potato tubers and fruit seedlings to smallholder farmers to support the ongoing agricultural development.

ii.) Home gardens support in Kumbo and Foumban: IAA empowered households with essential gardening skills and resources which resulted in the distribution of over 100,000grams of vegetables seeds and gardening tools to boost food production. Seed types distributed include; Cabbage, Carrot, Onion, Pepper, huckleberry, Cucumber, Okra, Tomato , Potato tubers, Sweet pepper, tree seedlings and Organic manure (2000kgs of cow dung) which resulted in 1350 gardens supported to increase food security and income level for 1350 people at the family/household level. Each seed type represents one garden and average family size is 10 members for 135 farm families supported. Tools include; 100 hoes, 100 watering cans, 100 machetes and 25 pairs of rain boots and 4000 tree seedlings.

In Foumban, IAA empowered 240 households with essential gardening skills and nutrition information which resulted in the distribution of 11,000 grams of vegetables seeds to boost food production. Seed types distributed include; Cabbage, 540 grams, Carrot, 5400 grams, Onion, 3500 grams , Pepper, 250 grams , Tomato, 250 grams , Cucumber, 400 grams which resulted in 1440 gardens to increase food security and income level for 2400 people at the family/household level in Foumban, West region of Cameroon

iii.) Nutrition and Diet: Empowered women on good nutrition practices, diet control and different nutrition options to reduce diet related diseases and malnutrition. With the message “Food is Medicine”, IAA implemented 10 workshops with 300 people that contributed to promoting public health and wellness through essential education on adequate nutrition and how to reduce food waste amongst conflict affected communities and women.

iv.) Environmental education and Agroforestry promotion: IAA engaged mixed age groups and community members on topics like deforestation, dangers of chemical fertilizers on agriculture, carbon emission and created awareness about climate change through regular environmental education outreach. IAA shared knowledge on agroforestry practices and distributed planting materials to 265 smallholder farmers who operate on less than 5 hectares of land. Ultimately, 15,000 trees were planted including, Moringa 1000, Cocoa 1000, Ricinodendron Heudeloti Known as Njansang or Essessang in Cameroon, 1000 and grafted pears (Avocado) 8000, and Prunus Africana 4000 in the Northwest and West regions of Cameroon.

EVOLUTION:

However, IAA recognizes that sustainable development requires continuous learning and adaptation to new challenges. This grant presents an opportunity for IAA to enhance the leadership skills of its team, gain advanced knowledge in sustainable agriculture, and network with global experts in environmental management. By deepening their understanding of innovative practices and policies, IAA aims to scale up this initiative, increase its impact, and empower more women in Cameroon and beyond. To go further, the Project Leader has partnered with Earth Guardian International to lead the Earth Guardian Crew of young climate leaders at the Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA) in Cameroon, as efforts to train and inspire young and community members on environmental and climate justice.

With increased demand for quality seedlings and vegetable seeds amongst the vulnerable farmers there is a need for consistent support. IAA will increase the production capacity of its demonstration garden. Grafted avocado, oranges, lemons, seedlings and seed potatoes will be subsidized to support the communities searching for secure nutrition. We will also train community members on seed multiplication and preservation to gain independence from over reliance on external support for seed donation.

4.) FIGHT AGAINST TOBACCO AND DRUGS USE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE – NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PREVENTION

Building Healthier Communities and Brighter Life Chances for the Younger Generation: (IAA) shape the future of their community by raising awareness of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors by leading mobile NCD therapy interventions and health ambassador training workshops to build the capacity of community health workers. (IAA) uses an evidence-based approach to prevent the harmful use of alcohol and tobacco by building knowledge for medical students and community health workers.

IAA seeks to deliver impactful public health literacy campaigns and community outreach, delivered by and for young people with support from the YHP Impact Fellowship grant awarded by AstraZeneca in 2023.

We champion local initiatives by working with community structures, health units, municipal councils, community health workers, health providers and health academic institutions to reduce the impact of NCDs and their risk factors among young people. In 2023, IAA reached over 500 people directly through in-person workshops and door-to-door sensitization and over 50,000 people through media outreach with NCD information. Over 30% of violence in schools is as a result of drug addiction and tobacco use involving young people in Cameroon and over 20% death annually is related to the consumption of tobacco products. The program also raised awareness of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk factors and utilized the Household Cluster Health Education Model to train and deploy Health Education Volunteers, supported by Community Health Teams and the project team. The focus was on educating households about the risk factors of T1D. Our mobile T1D health initiative tackles health challenges posed by lifestyle, environmental and nutrition factors. The program reached over 207 T1D patients with essential health information and counseling, and 480 families in 2023 and 2024. However, this program did not only work with children and young adults, but also with community structures, health units, municipal councils, community health workers, health providers and health academic institutions through 10 capacity building workshops and health advocacy for 350 people, helping them to reduce the risk factors of T1D, which did not only have a direct impact on children and young people affected by T1D, but on public health as a whole.

5.) VEGANISM FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND PLANET EARTH!

WHY BECOME A VEGAN!

Compassion for Animals:

In every livestock system, animals are denied their basic needs and interests. Dairy cows are separated from their young shortly after they give birth, so that humans can take their milk. Bull calves are either killed or exported for veal. Even those with bigger cages end up in the same slaughterhouses. Vegans enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious food with a clear conscience.

Justice for People:

The world’s population is set to exceed 9 billion by 2050. We’ve got to find fairer and more sustainable ways of feeding everyone – and fast. Currently, 40% of the world’s grain harvest goes to feed livestock instead of hungry people. Vegans reduce food waste by getting everything they need directly from plants.

Protecting the Planet:

Animal farming is responsible for at least 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Up to ten times more land and water is needed to support a typical diet of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy than a plant-based diet. Ditching animal products could reduce your carbon footprint significantly. Vegans also have less impact on the rainforests and ease water shortages….and it’s good for your health. Naturally rich in vitamins, high in fibre, and low in saturated fats, plant based foods can provide all the nutrition we need in all stages of life.

Plant-Based Food for Non-Vegans Cameroon:

The project was designed to reduce meat consumption and farming by working with non-vegan communities in Cameroon to create awareness about veganism and the importance of plant based diet and farming, with support from the vegan society. It organized vegan advocacy workshops with heads of dormitory schools, restaurants and provided training on vegan recipes and protein, advocated for restaurants to include vegan dishes on their menu to affect public demand for meat and purchasing patterns. We also carried out a school vegan lunch campaign to expose children to veganism. The project also worked with Fulani community, carrying out vegan education and advocating for fully plant based farming and regenerative agriculture.

Community turnout was very impressive and more than 228 people have been exposed to veganism. 5 chefs trained on 3 vegan recipes and 1 trainer restaurant recruited, while 35 women trained on how to make meat out of soybean, vegan salad and fried rice. Funding and lack of knowledge about veganism was a concern because veganism is still a new concept and needs massive sensitization in Cameroon. Funding for restaurant food demo cannot be raised by the participants because we are a nonprofit organization and cannot sell food to generate profits. We will continue to create more awareness of veganism and work with trainee restaurants to expose the public to veganism by organizing regular vegan food demonstration events and including vegan recipes (dishes) on restaurant menus.”

6.) VEGETABLE GARDENING, AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF INCOME AND NUTRITION FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES

Healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods through sustainable vegetable gardening: Integrated Agricultural Association (I.A.A) carries out experiment, builds collaboration, planting kitchen gardens and promotion activities to raise awareness of the role of vegetables for improved health and rural poverty alleviation.

Vegetables can alleviate poverty by creating new jobs and new sources of income for farmers and landless laborers, improve health by providing essential micronutrients lacking in diets, enhance learning and working capacities of adults and children through improved diets and health, and improve the sustainability of food production practices through mixed cropping. Our development work focuses on smallholder empowerment, developing and promoting safe production practices, reducing postharvest losses, and improving the nutritional value of vegetables. It increases smallholder farmer income and improve the quality of life as it is a major source of cash money for many families. Vegetable production provides an opportunity for poor rural population to come out of poverty, as it is a major source of fast income for most of the families. It generates income and jobs for smallholder farmers and landless especially the young and women. It has many advantages over most other agricultural enterprises. In 2023/2024, (IAA) distributed thousands grams of vegetable seeds in Northwest and West regions of Cameroon, which is enough to grow sufficient food rich in vitamin, minerals, energy and fibre for malnourish households and the society as a whole.

7.) COMMUNITY YOUTH MICRO ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM.

In 2019, the world experienced the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak that resulted in many businesses and institutions closing down, which meant thousands of young people lost jobs and educational opportunities in Cameroon. Lack of vocational training services and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people has the devastating potential to create a severe and prolonged economic impact. Young people have struggled with life since the COVID-19 outbreak and they need a hand that can support them through vocational training to equip them with constructive knowledge and reliable business skills. The creative abilities and livelihood skills of young people also remain low because of limited exposure to skills development opportunities and lagging behind in entrepreneurship opportunities, information and support.

The skills gap has led to high unemployment rates even at national level. 65% of Cameroonians are below 30 years while 75% still live in rural areas. The focus of this project is on Micro Entrepreneurship development for youth in order to promote self-employment because it’s projected that Cameroon will not be able to generate enough jobs for those entering the labour market during the COVID-19 pandemic and post COVID-19 recovery world. Unless young people are supported through skills development, they stand a risk of being trapped in viscous cycles of poverty yet in Cameroon, youths contribute 50% to the economy of the country.

IAA implemented a project on agribusiness in 2022 with the mission to contribute to the improvement of young people’s lives through Micro Entrepreneurship and community based sustainable skills in Agriculture, with the overall aim to empower both in and out of school rural youths with Vocational Skills in agriculture/Market gardening, to keep them out of current dangers (HIV/AIDS, Early pregnancy , child/early marriage, recruitment into armed groups), Breaking the yolk of vulnerability and become responsible citizens of today and tomorrow in the society.

With support from Global Youth Mobilization, 275 youths have been trained and supported in the following areas:

Micro Business: Participants received intensive training, covering the following areas of a microbusiness common in a rural area: Steps in becoming a successful entrepreneur, Advantages and Disadvantages of micro business, How to prepare a simple business plan, sources of business funding, importance of savings in micro business, venturing into business, what does it take? loan management, record keeping and costing.

Sustainable agriculture: Participants received intensive training on sustainable vegetable gardening, Environmental management, horticulture production and marketing. The training was facilitated by a team of youth agricultural professionals that have extensive knowledge and skills in their field, agronomy and rural engineering.

8.) RISE AGAINST CHILD/EARLY MARRIAGE

Given that girls are victims of child marriage and other forms of sexual exploitation, Governments of many nations tries to delay marriage until the age of 18 years without necessarily empowering girls with the knowledge they deserve to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships. IAA implemented the project in 2021 which aimed at creating awareness about the dangers of child/early marriage and empowering young girls with skills and knowledge to advocate for themselves. With support from Global Youth Mobilization, IAA used integrated approach to help young people develop skills to challenge cultural norms and make informed choices about their bodies and sexuality.

1.) Child/Early marriage and sexual abuse in Bamenda. Integrated Agricultural Association organized a series of workshops on the child/early marriage/sexual abuse. It aimed at empowering young people with skills and knowledge to challenge the physical and cultural norms that do not respect their rights and freedom. Over 750 young people between 16 and 30 years have been reached

2.) Menstrual hygiene management and family planning in Bamenda. I.A.A trained and supported young people on family planning techniques, on how to make and use re-useable menstrual pads and safe sex practices in Bamenda, and given that thousands of vulnerable girls are not able to afford a packet of menstrual hygiene pads, at the current pricing, which cost at least, 1$ per pack. IAA continued to promote gender equality and fight poverty amongst the vulnerable girls by support them with tools and skills to make and use their own pads; to secure their own livelihood and reduce menstrual related stigma and trauma. IAA trained and supported over 1500 girls between 10 and 30 years, with funding from The Global Youth Mobilization. IAA also provided mental health support to children in conflict with the law at the Bamenda Central Prison, where 350 juveniles received food items, soap and COVID-19 protective equipment from IAA.

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