"Empowering Communities: WCS Boosts Sustainable Agriculture Near Cross River National Park"
In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has taken proactive measures to empower local communities near the Cross River National Park (CRNP). The focus lies on fostering environmentally friendly practices and supporting the livelihoods of women, cocoa farmers, and beekeepers.
At a recent stakeholders' meeting, Dr. Imong Inayom, Deputy Country Director of WCS, unveiled initiatives aimed at transforming agricultural practices in the region. Women groups are now equipped with improved varieties of bush mango, specifically adapted for the dry season. These varieties not only grow faster than their wet season counterparts but also promise a more resilient harvest.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by these communities, WCS has organized the women into cooperatives, providing technical training on cultivating bush mangoes. To combat unfair market practices, WCS aids in selling the produce at competitive prices, ensuring the women receive fair compensation.
Cocoa farmers in the state have not been left behind. With technical training, cocoa pods, and seedlings from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, WCS aims to uplift local farmers. The organization closely monitors the cultivation process, emphasizing responsible practices and discouraging planting within protected areas.
Bee farmers, too, have reaped the benefits of WCS's support. Technical training, materials for beehives, protective clothing, and strategic baiting methods have led to increased beekeeping production. The positive impact is palpable, with WCS actively purchasing the produced honey, thereby creating a sustainable market for the beekeepers.
Moreover, more than 4,000 locals in the CRNP region have directly benefited from these agricultural initiatives. The support extends beyond the initial training, encompassing essential tools such as rain boots, wheelbarrows, and tarpaulins to aid in the cultivation and drying processes.
Mrs. Angela Ntui, a bee farmer, expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the newfound sustainability and profitability in beekeeping. Similarly, cocoa farmer Ntufam Denis Francis attested to the efficiency of the new cocoa variety, although highlighting the challenge of expensive chemicals and herbicides.
This concerted effort by WCS stands as a beacon of sustainable development, promoting responsible farming practices and enhancing the overall well-being of communities near the Cross River National Park.
FAQ Addition: Q: What initiatives has WCS introduced to support local communities near Cross River National Park? A: WCS has implemented various programs, including providing improved varieties of bush mango to women groups, supporting cocoa farmers with seedlings and monitoring their progress, and offering technical training and materials to bee farmers to boost production. Over 4,000 locals have benefited from these sustainable farming initiatives.
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