Visionary Reports

The Second edition of the Green Market Initiative, has taken place in Mbonjo, Bonalea Subdivision, in the Moungo division. The event saw Women farmers from the islands, riverbanks, and coastal communities of the Moungo Division showcased their significant contributions to agriculture. Organised by the Cameroon Association of Peasant Farmers (Synarpacam) on December 3-4, 2025, the innovation fair aimed to promote local agricultural production, eco-friendly farming practices, and uplift rural women.The event, featured a blend of market exhibitions, cultural displays, and community discussions reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by rural agriculture in Cameroon. This year’s initiative coincided with the International Day of Rural Women, which is celebrated every October 15, but was marked in December to accommodate riverine communities.During the event, Emmanuel Elong, president of Synarpacam, praised the resilience of women farmers who “produce, transform, transport, market, and feed the nation” despite facing significant challenges. He emphasized that many rural women struggle to find reliable buyers and sell at fair prices.“From the river islands to the creeks of Mbonjo and Penaboko, our mothers farm in difficult conditions. They face high transportation costs and low prices from middlemen. The Green Market Initiative provides them a platform to showcase their produce and build direct connections with consumers,” Elong stated. He also appealed for strengthened partnerships with government entities, councils, and development organizations to expand the impact of the Green Market Initiative across other regions. “Rural women must not remain invisible. With the right support, storage facilities, transport means, training, and funding, they can make significant contributions to both local and national economies,” Elong stressed.Hundreds of women from various coastal villages displayed locally-produced items such as cassava, plantains, cocoyams, smoked fish, and palm oil during the fair.

Speaking on behalf of the Synarpacam Women’s Wing, the women’s president stressed the importance of recognizing rural women as essential economic drivers rather than mere household helpers. She highlighted ongoing challenges, including lack of access to farmland, rising transport costs, and climate change impacts that threaten yields.“Rural women are the backbone of agricultural production in Moungo, but we still farm manually and carry loads on our heads. We need investments in technology, storage facilities, and access roads,” she said.The women also urged the government to integrate them into local governance structures to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.The representative of the Subdivisional Officer reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that reduce rural poverty and empower vulnerable groups. “We encourage Synarpacam to continue mobilizing farmers. Such initiatives contribute to local development and social cohesion,” he stated.Alongside the market exhibition, the program included discussions on land security, environmental sustainability, and the encouragement for young people to pursue agriculture. Cultural performances added vibrancy to the event, showcasing the rich identity of the Bakoko and Basaa communities of Moungo.Emphasis this year was placed on transforming agricultural products, with training for women on packaging and marketing items such as cassava flour and dried fish.Synarpacam aims to institutionalize the Green Market as an annual event rotating among the riverine villages in Bonalea.

By Gina Esong