Ngoumou’s Green Hills: A Story of Agricultural Transformation and Women’s Empowerment
Nestled in the lush hills of Ngoumou, in Cameroon’s Central region, sprawling plantations of cocoa, coffee, bananas, and pineapples stretch as far as the eye can see. This commune has emerged as a thriving agricultural hub, playing a pivotal role in supplying local markets. This transformation is largely attributed to the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, officially launched in 2017, which has reshaped the lives of thousands of Cameroonians.
Among the project’s beneficiaries is Sylviane Blanche Jouogo, whose life has been profoundly changed. Once living in uncertainty, Sylviane faced numerous challenges: a lack of training, poor management of her activities, and cultural barriers tied to her gender. These obstacles stifled her ambitions and left her doubting her own potential.
“I had a simple yet powerful dream: to turn the fruits of the land into hope for my family and community. For a long time, that dream felt out of reach,” Sylviane recalls.
Everything changed when she joined the project. Through training in financial management, pineapple processing, and women’s leadership, Sylviane found the tools to realize her aspirations. For the first time, she felt heard, supported, and valued. Each training session was, as she describes it, “a spark” for the 50-year-old entrepreneur.
Equipped with new skills, Sylviane reorganized her business, developed pineapple-derived products, and improved her income management. Gradually, her family began to see the impact: more abundant meals, better schooling for her children, and a husband who recognized the value of her efforts.
“Since I started keeping accounts for my small shop, I’ve been able to identify where things were going wrong. Things are better now, and my husband was even surprised when I contributed to our child’s school fees,” Sylviane says with pride.
A Project Fueling Growth and Opportunity
The Agricultural Value Chain Development Project is fully funded by the African Development Bank, with an investment of €89.292 million. According to the Bank’s report, the project has rehabilitated over 680 kilometers of rural roads, boosting farmers’ access to previously isolated areas, expanding agricultural operations, and integrating new sectors such as market gardening. The project is set to conclude by the end of this year.
To date, the initiative has established 167 cooperatives, 29 of which are led by women. It has also facilitated the planting of 8,694.5 hectares with high-quality crops. In collaboration with Cameroon’s Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, the annual production capacity of pre-germinated oil palm seeds has increased from two million to five million plants. These seeds are distributed to nurseries and producers for the establishment or renewal of oil palm plantations. For the pineapple sector, six hectares of seed plots have been established, producing nearly two million pineapple suckers, which are now being distributed. Sylviane is one of the many beneficiaries of this initiative.
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
Beyond her personal success, Sylviane has taken on greater responsibilities within her community. Through her cooperative and various associations, she shares her knowledge, encourages other women to step forward, and demonstrates that change is possible. Today, dozens of women are inspired to turn their dreams into reality, whether by managing small businesses or asserting their voices in their communities.
“The journey isn’t over, but I move forward knowing that no barrier is insurmountable,” Sylviane asserts. Her next dream is to create processing cooperatives to help other women and young people build a sustainable and equitable agricultural sector.
Today, Sylviane Blanche Jouogo no longer sets limits for herself. She knows that every woman has the power to transform her life and the lives of those around her. Her story is a testament to the ripple effect of empowerment, proving that with the right support, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
As the green hills of Ngoumou continue to flourish, so too do the hopes and dreams of its people, thanks to initiatives that nurture both the land and its stewards.
