The Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR) in the eastern region of Cameroon is a world heritage site in the Congo basin, which has a wide variety of plants, animals and streams. A young man tells us that poaching is no longer a way for him to improve his life. He was able to take a course, which contributed to a reduction in poaching.

I’m Derick Ndjol, a student trained at the CFA of Malen V, who graduated in 2014. I live with my grandparents on the northern edge of the Dja Reserve in the eastern region of Cameroon.

The DBR is a world heritage site in the Congo basin, which has a wide variety of plants, animals and streams. The reserve is threatened by poaching which is the illegal sale of bushmeat. For example, the number of great apes is falling and the game is also becoming rarer.

After my primary education, I stopped my studies due to a lack of money. Also, the closest college is 30 km from Malen V. This is why I started poaching in 2011.

I signed up to the Center for Agricultural Training (CAT) in Malen V, where I received my training not only in agriculture, animal rearing and environmental education, but also human training on gender and responsible citizenship. The work-linked training is either done with a mentor or with family and at the center.

At the end of the training in June 2014, the sponsor APASCAM, the local association and my family helped me set up my first business: a hectare of cocoa along with plantains and goat farming.

Poaching is no longer a way for me to improve my life. I dream of being able to expand my business, which would allow me to cover my needs.

Today I’m trying to spread modern agro-pastoral techniques and I encourage young people to sign up to the (CAT) in Malen V.

Several young people have benefitted from the training, are set up in their villages, and are used as a guide, nursery gardener or environmental educator. This training contributed to a reduction in poaching.

This English translation has been possible thanks to the PerMondo project: Free translation of website and documents for non-profit organisations. A project managed by Mondo Agit. English translator: David Turner. Proofreader: Jaïdat Ali Djae.

Subtitle: Ziba Afshar