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February 2001
Yaoundé
Dear Family and Friends,
Cameroon is said to be one of the few African countries that
is self-sufficient in its food production. Indeed, traveling through
the southern, central and western provinces, the lush vegetation
of the tropical forests and the ease with which nature produces
some of the most nutritious fruits and vegetables are overwhelming.
Why, then, are there Cameroonians who raise the red flag when
it comes to hunger issues? Guided by Cameroonian companions, I
have begun a journey to discover some of the dynamics behind the
discrepancy between the potential of this country and the struggle
many of its inhabitants encounter for the survival of their families
and communities. As I go, I hope to be able to share with you
what I come to understand to be part of this complex problem,
and how it may relate to worldwide trends.
A small team of organizers brought together 30 Cameroonian non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), grassroot groups, and church-related organizations
that are involved in different aspects of hunger issues. A few
weeks ago, they retreated for a weekend to exchange experiences
and insights in the calm surroundings of a monastery just outside
of the capital Yaoundé. The participants represented organizations
with a varied and interesting range of action. Some focus on community
development concerns in rural areas, others are intermediaries
between village farmers and urban traders. One group is involved
in food processing and preservation and also has experience in
international fair-trade dynamics. Another focuses on women’s
health and development concerns. Several NGOs encourage women
to start small-scale economic development projects through micro-credit.
One NGO integrates local concerns for forest peoples with public
advocacy on the national political level. Problems arising from
urbanization are addressed by different organizations, which target
orphans, prostitutes, and youth at risk. An association of blind
youth advocates the integration of minority groups in society.
Although the organizers intended a platform inclusive of all segments
of Cameroonian society, the gathering had also a considerable
number of church-based groups and pastors involved in hunger issues
on the congregational level.
It became clear during the discussions that many groups feel
isolated in their efforts. The participants wanted to collaborate
with their regional, national, and international counterparts
in order to make their own actions more effective. They decided
to form a network to develop a program with a dual approach: address
local, circumstantial concerns and also problems arising from
more structural problems. The former may require training and
capacity-building of the NGOs and their target groups, the latter
will focus on public advocacy around justice and environmental
issues. Another current issue that needs action from Cameroon’s
civil society is its involvement in the development of the government’s
proposal to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank
in order for the country to receive partial relief of its international
debts. This proposal should include a plan to redistribute capital
freed up by lower debt payments to programs in the private health-care,
education, and the civil society sectors.
These are some of the developments I have the privilege to be
a part of as facilitator for the Joining Hands Against Hunger
Program (JHAH) in Cameroon. This is a pilot program of the Presbyterian
Hunger Program (PHP), which has traditionally funded individual
projects for relief of chronic hunger, development assistance,
public-policy advocacy, life-style integrity, and hunger education.
JHAH, however, is designed to strengthen collaboration between
partners in developing countries through in-country networks on
one hand, and to develop companionships between these networks
and presbyteries in the U.S. on the other hand. It is a program
of mutual solidarity, spiritual support and education, of reinforcing
local capacity in peaceful hunger action, and raising international
awareness on issues of hunger and justice. It will be my task
to accompany and facilitate the processes between the national
and international partners for the Cameroon JHAH program. I invite
you to search the web for more information about the Presbyterian
Hunger Program at www.pcusa.org/pcusa/wmd/hunger
I also want to use this opportunity to bring to the attention
of our Presbyterian readers the upcoming One Great Hour of Sharing
Offering. PHP is one of the three PC(USA) core programs that share
the proceeds of this offering. Funding of the action plan of our
partner networks in the Joining Hands Against Hunger Program depends
on these proceeds. This year Presbyterians celebrate the One Great
Hour of Sharing Offering on Easter Sunday, April 15.
Jeff and the children join me in greeting you warmly,
Christi Boyd
The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 32
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