Back in control: Simple pesticides have gone a long way to assist small-time farmers
By taking care of the basics, farmers have been able to double their yields
Felix Yangana
Farmers in Sibut, in the Central African Republic, had been struggling against relentless pest infestations that devastated their crops and affected their livestock year after year. Cassava, sesame, peanuts, and corn – no crop was spared. But, thanks to some timely interventions, these farmers are now seeing a vast improvement.
Working with farming associations, ForAfrika decided to assist farmers with a simple approach:
· Providing essential pesticides to combat crop-destroying insects;
· Supplying a local veterinarian for prompt animal healthcare; and
· Delivering oxen and ploughs for animal traction farming.
Simple yet effective
Despite the basic response, results have been dramatic. Where a plot of corn yielded only 100kg in 2022, farmers have since doubled that amount and an improvement was seen across all crops. Similarly, livestock deaths have been reduced by the timely treatment of infections and other conditions.
For years, farmers like Marcelle Koisset had watched helplessly as her investments in time and labor yielded disappointment. This year, however, she has success to report. “In 2022, I had only five goats, now I have 30 goats and pigs” she says happily.
Marcelle is a member of the Association of Exploitants de la Cultivation Attelée de Sibut (AECAS) which also received nine oxen and ploughs. The input has allowed the association to expand, ensuring more farmers can benefit from this productivity enhancing technique.
“ForAfrika responded exactly to the needs expressed by the community to improve the level of our agricultural production and that of domestic animals,” said a committee member. While the impact has been significant, the need remains great. The farmers expressed hope for continued assistance, especially in training local agents to become self-sufficient in field and animal treatment.
Felix Yangana is Programmes Manager in Central African Republic
