AWF Empowers Bagyeli Communities in Campo Ma’an

The Bagyeli Pygmies, one of Cameroon’s oldest indigenous groups, have a deep-rooted connection to the forests of the Southern Region. Known as the “guardians of the forest” due to their intimate knowledge of and dependence on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), their traditional migratory lifestyle was disrupted by the creation of the Campo Ma’an National Park in the early 2000s. This displacement from their ancestral lands and resources has led to food insecurity and economic hardship.

Cameroon’s Campo Ma’an landscape, situated on the west coast, is part of the rainforest and home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and over 80 other species of mammals. However, this delicate ecosystem is under threat from poaching, illegal wildlife trade, logging, agriculture, and coastal development.

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) partners with the Bagyeli communities to balance conservation with cultural preservation. AWF fosters sustainable livelihood alternatives by promoting new economic opportunities and traditional knowledge, empowering the Bagyeli to adapt to a changing landscape while safeguarding their unique heritage and the biodiversity of their ancestral lands.

Cultivating Change: From Foraging to Farming

Ayimbo Therese shows what is left of her egusi harvest

Traditionally, the Bagyeli relied on hunting and gathering NTFPs for sustenance. To address the food insecurity caused by restricted forest access, AWF has introduced community-based agricultural programs. By establishing plantations and providing improved seeds for crops like corn, egusi, groundnuts, yams, and plantains, AWF is helping the Bagyeli transition to a more reliable and diverse food source.

Ayimbo Therese, a 26-year-old mother of three from Ngola village, shares her inspiring story of success with AWF’s program. “I received a cup of egusi seeds from AWF last year, and after planting, I harvested a bucket. It was a new crop for us, but with AWF’s guidance, we learned to cultivate and cook it. Now, my children prefer egusi soup to cassava leaves. I’ve even replanted half of my harvest, ensuring a bountiful yield next year.” 

Therese’s story demonstrates the positive impact of AWF’s agricultural initiatives, which have empowered many Bagyeli families. Agriculture remains a more suitable alternative to hunting and gathering for the Bagyeli. This new method is helping to bring this indigenous community out of poverty.

From Rubber to Resilience: Building Sustainable Incomes

In addition to agriculture, AWF is also promoting agroforestry as a sustainable livelihood option. Rubber, a key cash crop in the region, offers a promising avenue for income generation. AWF is supporting the creation of community agroforests where rubber trees are interplanted with NTFPs like bush mango, njangsang, and moabi. This approach not only provides a reliable source of income but also helps restore degraded lands and conserve biodiversity.

This project, in partnership with the Conservation Service of Campo Ma’an National Park and funded by the Foundation for Environment and Development in Cameroon (FEDEC), integrates rubber trees with existing agricultural activities such as plantain, lemon, and non-timber forest products.

Lesly Akenji, AWF’s Senior Landscape Manager for Dja and Campo Ma’an, emphasizes the positive impact of these initiatives: “The Bagyeli have embraced agriculture and discovered its importance. They are now cultivating crops for their own consumption and generating income by selling surplus produce, enabling them to send their children to school and improve their living standards.”

Since 2021, AWF has helped establish over 9.1 hectares of rubber plantations in three communities, with sap production expected to begin within two years. This initiative not only generates income but also promotes sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.

Empowering Communities, Protecting Nature

AWF’s holistic approach to conservation recognizes that the well-being of local communities is intrinsically linked to the health of ecosystems. By empowering the Bagyeli with sustainable livelihoods, AWF is not only addressing their immediate needs but also fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment. This community-driven approach is crucial for long-term conservation success.

On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we celebrate the resilience and adaptability of the Bagyeli people. AWF’s ongoing efforts in Campo Ma’an are a testament to the power of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable development in preserving both cultural heritage and natural resources.