Rural Employment Development Support Program

More than half of Cameroon's population lives in rural areas and depends on primary sector activities (agriculture, livestock, fishing, forestry). Yet this sector remains largely underexploited, maintaining endemic rural unemployment and persistent poverty.

PADER fits this context by recognizing that:

• Rural areas represent considerable employment potential that is still insufficiently developed;
• Rural populations often lack modern techniques and resources to develop their activities;
• Support for agriculture and rural activities is an essential lever for reducing poverty.

PADER pursues the following objectives:

General objective:
Leverage primary sector activities as a mechanism for reducing rural unemployment and combating poverty.

Specific objectives:

• Train beneficiaries in modern agricultural and rural exploitation methods;
• Provide material and financial resources needed to start activities;
• Support farm management and product marketing;
• Create sustainable jobs in rural areas;
• Contribute to improving rural population incomes.

PADER targets:

• Rural populations seeking employment;
• Farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and foresters wishing to modernize their practices;
• Young rural people without professional qualifications;
• Agricultural and agro-pastoral project holders;
• Farmer groups and rural cooperatives.

PADER's strategy rests on four fundamental pillars:

1. Training in modern methods
Training beneficiaries in modern agricultural techniques, improved livestock breeding, fish farming and other primary sector activities.

2. Material and financial support
Providing agricultural inputs, equipment and financial support to start productive activities.

3. Management coaching
Training in simplified farm management, bookkeeping and work organization.

4. Marketing support
Help with product marketing, development of distribution channels and negotiation with buyers.

PADER financing mobilizes several sources:

• State budget through the National Employment Fund;
• International partnerships with rural development organizations;
• HIPC funds (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) for certain program components;
• Beneficiary contributions in the form of labor and local resources.

The program has financed farmers in several regions including Adamaoua, beneficiary of significant resources for livestock development.

Program advantages and results:

For beneficiaries:

• Acquisition of modern and efficient agricultural techniques;
• Improved yields and incomes;
• Access to material and financial resources;
• Development of entrepreneurial autonomy in rural areas.

For rural communities:

• Creation of sustainable jobs in rural areas;
• Reduction of rural exodus to cities;
• Improved food security;
• Local economic development.

For Cameroon:

• Reduction of rural poverty;
• Development of the primary sector;
• Strengthening food self-sufficiency.