Food! Sustainable Livelihoods-A Visual Journey of Food Culture in Cameroon.

Statistics indicate that more than 70% of extreme poor in Sub Saharan Africa live in rural areas. Two thirds of the economically active population are employed in agriculture, with 50% of them women labourers. Research on the role of food in rural economies in Sub Saharan Africa concentrates on post-harvest losses, and increasing crop yields to feed an increasing population and reduce poverty. There is a lack of focus on creating SME agri-food businesses as a means of creating vibrant rural communities. Food Adventure and academics from Cardiff Metropolitan University were invited by the Cameroon Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts to conduct a fact-finding mission in Cameroon. The overall objective of the mission was to travel throughout Cameroon and meet a variety of SME’s along the agri-food chain to gain an understanding of the opportunities and barriers faced by SME’s in developing their businesses.During three weeks, the team worked with Cameroonian SME's private and public bodies and the Cameroonian government to identify ways to give SME's the support needed so that their businesses may thrive. This trip was the fruit of a team of Welsh Artisan food producers and smallholders traveling to Cameroon on a learning exchange to give charcuterie, butchery and preserve making workshop and to share learning in farming systems.  Come join us on a visual journey through Cameroon and explore if there are lessons learned in Wales on supporting SME food businesses that can be applied in Cameroon. Light refreshments will be served after the event with opportunities for networking. A full line up of speakers will be added soon! 17:30 - Arrival Registration Coffee and Tea 18:00 Programme Begins 20:00 Networking and Light Refreshments