Discussing nutrition habits with women's groups – the Nutrition Program “Feed Well, Feed Right, Feel Healthy” is running successfully.
FORUDEF has completed the pilot phase of its nutrition program, which was running in the villages of Tole and Maumu from June until September, with excellent results. The fourth phase of the program emphasizes diet improvement by providing access to protein sources. FORUDEF loaned an amount of groundnut and bean seeds to the participants and taught growing techniques for these new crops. After harvest, one part of the seeds will be returned to FORUDEF’s seed bank. FORUDEF volunteers assisted in preparing the land, building ridges, and planting the groundnut seeds.
In the past two months, FORUDEF started the program with two new Common Initiative Groups (CIGs), “Jungle Women” in Bwassa and “Virtuous Women” in Wonganga. FORUDEF members and volunteers taught about the components of a balanced meal and explained the symptoms of malnutrition. The women participated actively and shared experiences on how more vitamins and proteins can be added to the daily meals. The third phase, the cooking practice, was a great opportunity to discuss nutrition and other questions, even those concerning cultural differences.
FORUDEF is looking to expand its nutrition program in the near future, and has been encouraged by the positive results so far. Many groups have expressed a desire to improve the health of their families and communities through improved nutrition, and FORUDEF is looking forward to partnering with those groups to make their hope a reality.
In the past two months, FORUDEF started the program with two new Common Initiative Groups (CIGs), “Jungle Women” in Bwassa and “Virtuous Women” in Wonganga. FORUDEF members and volunteers taught about the components of a balanced meal and explained the symptoms of malnutrition. The women participated actively and shared experiences on how more vitamins and proteins can be added to the daily meals. The third phase, the cooking practice, was a great opportunity to discuss nutrition and other questions, even those concerning cultural differences.
FORUDEF is looking to expand its nutrition program in the near future, and has been encouraged by the positive results so far. Many groups have expressed a desire to improve the health of their families and communities through improved nutrition, and FORUDEF is looking forward to partnering with those groups to make their hope a reality.
Volunteer Corner: coming soon...
Past News Briefs:
FORUDEF has obtained a permanent partnership with Global Giving!
After competing in the recent Open Challenge, FORUDEF, thanks to the incredible generosity of its team of international supporters and advocates, met the objectives of the Open Challenge and became a permanent partner of Global Giving. The goals was to raise over $4000 from 50 unique donors in 30 days. We not only met these requirements, but also raised enough to fully fund the income generation project for the women's CIG in Ote village. For us at FORUDEF this is an exciting time and we are grateful for all the support we have received to empower women in rural Cameroon. We will now be able to continue posting projects on Global Giving's website with the goal of working towards positive change in Cameroon's areas of greatest need.
To visit our project page, please go to the following site:
http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/empower-women-transform-a-community-in-cameroon/
To visit our project page, please go to the following site:
http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/empower-women-transform-a-community-in-cameroon/
"Top chop trumps chop flop." Encouraging good nutrition in local villages.
In response to the overwhelming presence of malnutrition in the rural Southwest region of Cameroon, FORUDEF has developed and implemented a nutrition program (Feed Well, Feed Right, Feel Healthy Program), the first of its kind in the area, which will teach and empower women in their villages to take ownership of their diets and subsequently, their health.
In spite of a multitude of nutritious crops and foods readily available, villagers continue to exist on carbohydrate based diets. As a result, protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies are all too common, especially amongst children. FORUDEF is implementing a four phase program to address the health concerns that result from an inadequate diet through small and large group sensitization, practical demonstration, and a seed bank. Women in two villages have participated in a two day workshop which emphasizes the link between nutrition and health, and encourages prioritizing a balanced diet over simply eating to feel full. These women will then join in a cooking demonstration, where they will practice adding protein and vegetables to some of their favorite dishes, while learning new techniques that preserve a high nutrient content. FORUDEF wants to encourage increased production and consumption of protein-rich crops, and will assist farmers in accessing groundnuts and beans through a seed bank where seeds are loaned and will be re-paid with ‘seed interest’, such that the program can be sustainable. FORUDEF will assist these farmers in growing the new crops and will continue to encourage better nutrition, which in turn will contribute to more vital, empowered communities in Cameroon.
In spite of a multitude of nutritious crops and foods readily available, villagers continue to exist on carbohydrate based diets. As a result, protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies are all too common, especially amongst children. FORUDEF is implementing a four phase program to address the health concerns that result from an inadequate diet through small and large group sensitization, practical demonstration, and a seed bank. Women in two villages have participated in a two day workshop which emphasizes the link between nutrition and health, and encourages prioritizing a balanced diet over simply eating to feel full. These women will then join in a cooking demonstration, where they will practice adding protein and vegetables to some of their favorite dishes, while learning new techniques that preserve a high nutrient content. FORUDEF wants to encourage increased production and consumption of protein-rich crops, and will assist farmers in accessing groundnuts and beans through a seed bank where seeds are loaned and will be re-paid with ‘seed interest’, such that the program can be sustainable. FORUDEF will assist these farmers in growing the new crops and will continue to encourage better nutrition, which in turn will contribute to more vital, empowered communities in Cameroon.
Transforming communities through beekeeping.
There is huge potential for the production of organic honey in the Akwaya region, with the promise of high demand both locally and internationally. FORUDEF, in partnership with local communities, identified this potential not only as a way to promote environmental conservation, but also as a way to alleviate poverty in the area.
In March 2011, FORUDEF initiated the Akwaya Beekeeping Project to build the skills and capacities of local beekeepers. The main objectives of the project were to improve on the skills of local beekeepers to a point where they would be empowered to train others, and to expand and improve the marketing of honey in the region.
During the Training of Trainers workshop, local beekeepers were given the tools necessary to sustainably colonize bees, effectively harvest honey, and produce a high-quality final product, as well as the information and expertise necessary to train others and encourage the continued growth of beekeeping in Akwaya.
Presently, more than 30 beekeepers have benefitted from the project through the acquisition of information and start-up equipment. Honey production has been steadily increasing and the annual amount of honey produced by Akwaya beekeepers stands to exceed 1500 liters.
This project was made possible through the generosity and support of Bees Abroad UK.