CANALLS FIELD VISIT 

Field Mission to Ntui Agroecology Living Lab

02.- 06.12.2024, Cameroon

In early December, from the 2nd to the 6th, the Canalls project coordination team, represented by Dr. Hycenth Tim Ndah and Dr. Beatriz Herrera from the University of Hohenheim, undertook a field mission to the Ntui Agroecology Living Lab (ALL) in Cameroon. In the Ntui region, agriculture is the primary occupation, with approximately 77% of the population engaged in cocoa farming as their main cash crop. 

Through the Ntui Living Lab, the Canalls project seeks to address pressing challenges in the cocoa farming system. These challenges include forest degradation and deforestation, pests and diseases, and soil nutrient deficiencies. The field mission aimed to assess progress, engage with farmers, support innovation, and build capacities for the adoption of agroecological practices. 

Activities Conducted During the Field Visit

The visit included a variety of field activities and workshops aimed at understanding and enhancing agroecological practices:

Farm Visits: The team visited on-farm experiments to evaluate general conditions and identify challenges in adopting new technologies. The presence and role of local support institutions were also examined.

Testing the Decision Support Tool (DST): This tool is designed to facilitate the implementation and evaluation of agroecological practices. The testing allowed for valuable feedback and recommendations to be collected for improvement of the DST. 

Workshops: The team participated in two major workshops aimed at advancing agroecological practices and capacity building:

Qualitative Expert-Based Assessment Tool for Agroecology Adoption (QATOCA): This workshop evaluated the factors influencing the adoption of agroecological practices in the region.

Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool for Innovation (OCATI): This session focused on enhancing the capacities of advisory service organizations to effectively foster and implement agricultural innovations.

The field visit and workshops provided valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of agroecological transition in the region.

Canalls Commitment to Agroecological Transitions

The Canalls project remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing agroecological transitions through a multi-actor, transdisciplinary approach within Agroecology Living Labs (ALLs). This visit reflects the team's ongoing efforts to foster collaboration, capacity building, and innovation for sustainable agricultural practices in Cameroon and beyond.