New program for young people in cocoa, coffee production

In 2011, the average age of coffee producer was 55, 81 years. In the Western Region, the average was 65,11 years. With this producer's aging mind, the Interprofessional Council of Cocoa and Coffee launched the New Generation program.

The objective of this program is to "rejuvenate production force through the effective installation of youth in the culture of quality cocoa and coffee. This is through coaching and supporting young agricultural training centers in their integration so that they become true professionals in cocoa and coffee growing," reported Le Quotidien Economie newspaper on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

Young people aged 21 having an area of one hectare per year for three years are the main targets of this program. They can join through the "Agreement training centers with the CICC or the site www.cicc.cm. Training centers are located in all of Cameroon production areas, especially in Central, East, Littoral, North West, West, South and South-west," sources revealed.

Since the launch of the initiative three years ago, "new farms of 1335 hectares of cocoa and coffee have already been created and 1002 young farmers trained or are in training," revealed the CICC.

According to the newspaper, "the first indicators on production are expected in 2016". It is a contribution that would enable Cameroon to reach its goal of producing 600,000 tons of cocoa in 2020.