Centre d’Appui au Developpement Integral Mbankana (CADIM, Mbankana Centre for Integrated Development)

To combat high rural unemployment and the outflow of farmers to urban centres, Centre d’Appui au Developpement Integral Mbankana (CADIM, Mbankana Centre for Integrated Development) trains farmers in agroforestry and afforestation techniques that restore soil fertility and boost agricultural production. The group’s afforestation efforts have reduced exploitative pressure on the natural forests and provided for the reappearance of previously endemic animal species - notably bush pigs and antelopes.

As a result of CADIM’s training programmes, farmers have increased traditional agricultural outputs - cassava production has risen five-fold in some areas - and diversified into new areas of income generation, such as honey and charcoal production. CADIM has forged a strong partnership with the Ministry of Environment and successfully lobbied for a decree by the Minister of Land Affairs to create a subdivision of forest that offers land security for farmers.

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2008

Founded: 1995

Location: Bateke Plateau region

Beneficiaries: farmers around the village of Mbankana

Biodiversity: agroforestry and reforestation