Ambassador Garvey Inaugurates Cassava Processing Center

United States Ambassador to Cameroon Janet Garvey visited Kribi July 6 to open a cassava processing center funded through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) program and implemented by the local organization l’Union des Gics Des Agriculteurs de l’Ocean.  The project will give members of the community a renewable source of income by allowing them to press, dry, and grind cassava for sale in the area.  With the grain mill, cassava press, electric dryer, starch-removal apparatus, roasting pan, scale and sealing machine provided by the SSH funds, l’Union des Gics Des Agriculteurs de l’Ocean can potentially process its 100 acres of the tropical root into 12 tons of dried cassava per month. 

In fiscal year 2008, the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help program disbursed $80,000 to fund 11 projects in eight regions working primarily in water supply and sanitation, social services, and social assistance.  Since 1983, the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon has funded small community projects in all 10 regions under SSH, helping build schools, footbridges, wells, and other small-scale community development projects.  SSH funds have also benefited community farms, grain mills, and women’s cooperatives.  Under SSH, local communities apply for support for a specific project tailored to improve living conditions.  Community members agree to provide labor, materials, or some other contribution to the project, ensuring a high level of community investment and participation.  For more information on the Special Self Help program, contact the Embassy at 2220-1500, x 4491 or 4171.

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