100 women in the North West Region of Cameroon will acquire skills in peanut processing to produce quality peanut butter. It is expected that at least 80% of these women will achieve greater economic independence through this initiative.

Local Solution
SUSTAIN Cameroon is addressing economic vulnerability among women in North West Cameroon by training 100 peanut farmers in value addition. The program also raises awareness about sustainable farming practices, women’s empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

Many families in the Mbaw plain rely on subsistence farming of peanuts. They live in poverty, face food insecurity, and have limited economic opportunities. This situation often drives young women into early marriages or social vices to secure income. Participants are young women and girls aged 11-23 years, many of whom have approached SUSTAIN Cameroon seeking support.

Over a 6-month training program, these women will learn improved farming practices, post-harvest handling, processing, and marketing strategies from specialised trainers. Participants will receive raw materials, inputs, and access to processing equipment including a peanut processing machine for shelling and grinding, as well as promotional materials and packaging supplies. This will increase their income. The peanut value addition is a lucrative way of generating income. However, they do not yet have the resources to support this. SUSTAIN Cameroon will facilitate market linkages and business development, ensuring the women meet the growing demand for their products. The project will also support the formation of cooperatives for business management, savings, and collective marketing. This participatory approach aims to foster ownership, improve livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience.

We believe that education alone cannot create sustainable change for these girls and women. They need access to income-generating opportunities, as the absence of sustainable livelihoods exposes them to exploitation and social vulnerability. To date, SUSTAIN Cameroon has supported over 500 women through similar interventions.

Lives Improved
100 vulnerable women will acquire processing skills to start a peanut paste and value-added product business. It is anticipated that at least 80% will attain economic independence, leading to increased household income.

Additionally, around 400 family members will benefit from improved access to nutritious foods, better household incomes, and enhanced food security.

In One Year:
The increased income will enable families to afford school fees, healthcare, and improved housing, contributing to their overall well-being.

Community Impact
This project will promote awareness of sustainable farming, women’s empowerment, and local entrepreneurship. As community members witness the benefits of peanut processing and value addition, social attitudes towards women’s economic participation are expected to shift positively. Community leaders and local markets will support the growth of small-scale processing units, creating a ripple effect that encourages more families to engage in value addition.

By strengthening local supply chains and improving market access, the project aims to reduce dependency on imports, foster regional economic development, and alleviate migration pressures caused by economic hardship. The success of this initiative can serve as a model for other communities in the region.

Budget
The total budget for this project is XAF 7,761,053 (approximately €11,642). Funds will be allocated to:

• Procuring processing machinery and equipment
• Providing raw materials and packaging supplies
• Conducting training on processing, quality control, and business skills
• Supporting market linkages and promotional activities
• Establishing community cooperatives and savings groups
• Covering monitoring and evaluation activities
• 5% to iMPACT direct for facilitating direct donations to local solutions (which helps to cover costs of the website, promotion and proposal writing, costs of financial services and the support to NGOs).

Own Contribution: SUSTAIN Cameroon will facilitate market linkages for peanut paste sales to local markets, supermarkets, and restaurants, including marketing of finished products. Additionally, we will provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to the participating women.

Testimonial
I am happy and grateful that Sustain Cameroon identified and placed me amongst those who were to benefit and learn the trade. I have started to master tailoring and I am sure as the days are going, I will get better. I see my future so bright being my own boss and being able to earn something for myself and to support my own family. T. Sandrine