Projects in Cameroon

Agriculture

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Cameroon’s economy and food systems. 62% of households depend on agriculture for their livelihood of which 24% are purely subsistence, 2% are commercial and 75% both consume and sell their produce. 74% of smallholders live in the rural areas, 19% in urban and 7% in semi urban areas. Rural communities face challenges such as low productivity, limited crop diversity, and smallholder farmers often rely on traditional practices, which exacerbate soil degradation and reduce yields. At the household level, limited access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods contributes to malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

Project description

The Agriculture project, in collaboration with the Government of Cameroon, aims to strengthen food security and improve household nutrition. Volunteers work alongside community counterparts to design and implement interventions that enhance crop production and promote dietary diversity within households.

Agriculture Volunteers strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers and youth to increase productivity through improved cultivation practices, crop diversification, and sustainable agricultural techniques. They provide training and mentorship—both in small groups and through one-on-one field support—on modern crop management practices and technologies.

To improve household nutrition, Volunteers facilitate nutrition education sessions and conduct cooking demonstrations, helping families incorporate diverse and nutrient-rich foods into their diets. Additionally, Volunteers engage youth through school garden initiatives, fostering interest in agriculture while integrating gardening concepts into subjects such as English and science.

What Agriculture Volunteers do

Agriculture Volunteers work hand-in-hand with communities to improve food security, nutrition, and resilience through sustainable farming practices. Key activities include:

• Farmer training: Conduct workshops on soil fertility management, composting, and sustainable agricultural techniques.
• Introduce nutrient-rich crops: Collaborate with ministry partners to promote crop varieties that improve resilience and enhance household nutrition.
• Nutrition education: Facilitate sessions on healthy eating and organize cooking demonstrations to encourage balanced diets.
• School garden programs: Teach youth gardening techniques and integrate agriculture into science lessons to build lifelong skills.
• Promote sustainable practices: Partner with farmer groups to implement methods such as crop rotation, water conservation, and resilient agriculture.

By connecting agricultural development with nutrition education, this project aims to reduce malnutrition, strengthen household food security, and empower communities for long-term resilience.

Education

Cameroon’s recent education reform represents a strategic move away from traditional, teacher-led instruction towards a more dynamic, student-centered and competency-based learning model. This approach is designed to empower learners with critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills essential for personal development, career readiness, and meaningful civic engagement. The reform emphasizes active, participatory learning, with students taking ownership of their education—developing core competencies rather than merely absorbing content. By focusing on competencies such as problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy, the framework equips learners to thrive in both local and international contexts.

Project description

Peace Corps Cameroon's Education program is designed to strengthen learning opportunities and build future-ready skills through two key projects:

• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language): This project supports Cameroon’s bilingual policy by using a communicative approach to help students develop practical English skills for academic success and career advancement.
• Math and Science: Focused on reinforcing STEM education, this project prepares students for roles in technology and innovation, contributing to Cameroon’s industrialization goals.

The Education program strives to:

• Build teaching capacity in English and STEM through training, resource development, and extracurricular activities.
• Improve student achievement in English, math, and science through classroom instruction, tutoring, and life-skills development.
• Strengthen community engagement by mobilizing local support for learning access and improved teaching environments. Shape

What Education Volunteers do

Education Volunteers play a vital role in empowering students and communities. Activities include:

• Teach English, Math, Science, or related subjects.
• Provide tutoring and remedial support for students.
• Facilitate teacher training and introduce student-centered teaching methods.
• Develop learning materials and organizing extracurricular programs such as clubs, camps, computer labs, and STEM initiatives.
• Conduct community needs assessments and implementing responsive projects.
• Engage community members to promote access to education.
• Support students in building academic and life skills through practical, hands-on activities.

Community Health

Cameroon faces significant health challenges, particularly among vulnerable populations in rural and underserved areas. Maternal and child health indicators remain a concern, with limited access to prenatal care and skilled birth attendants contributing to preventable complications. Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of illness and death, especially among children under five. Adolescents and youth encounter barriers to accurate health information, leaving them at risk for HIV and other health issues. Strengthening community health systems and promoting preventive practices are essential to improving overall health outcomes and reducing the burden of disease.

Project description

The Community Health project is designed to address these pressing health needs by focusing on four key areas: maternal and child health, malaria prevention, adolescent health, and HIV prevention. Our mission is to empower communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to adopt healthier behaviors and access essential health services. By working closely with local partners, health facilities, and community-based organizations, the project aims to create sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes and foster resilience within communities.

What Health Volunteers do

Health Volunteers play a vital role in driving change at the grassroots level through the following activities:

• Promote behavior change: Use culturally appropriate messaging and interactive methods to encourage healthy practices among adolescents, youth, and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
• Strengthen local capacity: Train community health workers, young people, and community members to deliver accurate health information and provide basic services.
• Strengthen community engagement: Collaborate with local leaders, schools, health facilities, and community groups to build trust, increase participation, and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Facilitate integrated health education: Address topics such as nutrition, malaria prevention, HIV awareness, and life skills in outreach sessions to maximize impact.

Through these efforts, Volunteers contribute to reducing preventable illnesses, improving maternal and child health outcomes, enhancing adolescent well-being, and fostering healthier, more informed communities.