After a great experience learning about analog forestry in early 2012, the Centre for Nursery Development and Eru Propagation (CENDEP) joined forces with IAFN for a second analog forestry workshop. This time, the goal of the workshop was to reinforce the knowledge base of the Cameroon Analog Forestry Network (CAFON) members as well as integrate and train new Civil Society Organizations (CSO) who have shown willingness to join the network. The workshop brought together 23 participants from 16 CSOs with ecosystem restoration, forest conservation and agro-pastoral development forming part of their program activities. The main trainer was Mr. Grover Cleveland Stock, co-chair of IAFN. He was assisted by Gabriel Koleoko and Perry Ndzefemmegho of CENDEP, Cameroon.
Observing trees to assess physiognomic formula
Field observations to learn the physiognomic formula, a key of analog forestry
The main objectives of the workshop were, firstly, to provide a second level of training to future trainers of analog forestry in Cameroon. Further, the workshop sought to raise the profile of IAFN and CAFON as knowledge-sharing networks by building capacity among CAFON members to practice analog forestry, and by collaborating on advocacy and rural entrepreneurship issues such as Rich Forests.
The Rural Transformation Centre in Wvem, Northwest Cameroon
The Rural Transformation Centre in Wvem, Northwest Cameroon
The workshop took place between the 11th and 14th of November 2013 at the Rural Transformation Centre, Wvem in the Bui Division of the North West region of Cameroon. The four day training consisted of presentations by resource persons, practical group work by participants as well as group work presentations in plenary.
Roos Nijpels, from the Rich Forests coalition, with workshop participants
Roos Nijpels, from the Rich Forests coalition, with workshop participants
The Rich Forest coalition, a strategic partner of IAFN, was represented during the workshop and their goal was to make an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities within the network as well as jointly explore new ways of fundraising in order to sustain the activities of the network and its partners. Roos Nijpels, a representative of the coalition from the Dutch NGO Both Ends, emphasized that Rich Forests aims to support activities that have both ecological and economic importance. This, in her view, is the current paradigm shift that her organization and the partnership with IAFN and its grassroots partners should follow. This type of initiative, she explained, will present a win-win situation to both investors and organizations in the south as new funding avenues will be achieved.

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