AMCO Showcases Greenhouse Project Converting Fishers and Fish Mongers to Bell Pepper Farmers

The African Marine Conservation Organisation - AMCO has showcased to the public a community-based initiative aimed at promoting sustainable coastal livelihoods and reducing pressure on Marine resources through greenhouse farming. 

The pilot project for community greenhouse gardens targeting the fishing community and fish vendors was presented to the public during the Open Door Day organised by AMCO, Friday, June 5, 2026, as part of activities to mark the 2026 edition of World Environment Day celebrated under the theme "Act now for the climate". 

The Open Door Day brought together local authorities, institutional partners, stakeholders involved in issues related to marine conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience, among others at AMCO's branch office, Limbola, Limbe, Cameroon. They listened to presentations in line with the community greenhouse project on Bell Pepper that started some six months ago, among others.

AMCO officials during the Open Door Day, stated that across many coastal communities in the South West Region of Cameroon, fishing remains the primary source of household income and food security but expressed regrets that the fishing community especially in Limbe is currently facing growing insecurity due to low fishing productivity, declining fish stocks, pressure from industrial trawlers, marine pollution and the increasing effects of climate change which they said are permanently undermining their livelihoods and the marine ecosystems on which they depend. 

 The president of AMCO, Dr Aristide Takoukam Kamla said the situation is gradually leading to the emergence of unsustainable fishing practices, including the accidental capture of protected species such as sea turtles and dolphins, while mangroves and coral reefs continue to degrade, leaving communities trapped in a vicious socio-environmental cycle where poverty and the degradation of natural resources feed into one another.

 The president, including other AMCO officials like Cedrick Fogwan and Karel Cyndi Ngnah who heaved a sigh of relief that the AMCO greenhouse gardens project on the growing of bell pepper has come to solve the above-cited challenges. Five local community members, including fishermen and fish vendors, have already been trained on the cultivation of bell peppers. The goal, as explained by the president of AMCO, is for AMCO, with support from the French Embassy, to build a community that has at least 30 greenhouses and create an impact on the community.

The initiative, according to AMCO officials, that has already yielded encouraging results, demonstrates strong potential for replication in other coastal communities facing similar socio - economic environmental pressures. It provides hands- on training for beneficiaries, utilising sustainable techniques such as controlled irrigation and optimised water management and supporting communities in pursuing economic opportunities that are more resilient to climate change.

 Abla Cynthia is a fish vendor in Batoke. She is one of the beneficiaries and a trainee with the bell pepper project. 

She said, " ...the thing that made me pause my fish business for now and join AMCO for the greenhouse project is because I saw what was ahead. The decrease of fish is too much". In order to be able to continue providing for my family, she continued, "I had to look for an alternative, and the AMCO project was the answer. With this wonderful yield we did today, the sales would be awesome, and I will provide for my family's needs with less stress." 

Abla Cynthia expressed gratitude to the brains behind the project for thinking about their welfare and extending a helping hand. She was equally grateful for having an alternative source of income to take care of her family.

Also in attendance was the chief of Batoke, His Royal Majesty, HRM Dr Molive Molungu Otto, who applauded the initiative and promised to chip in his all for the success of the project. He added that the project will go a long way to providing employment to the youths, especially before expressing his willingness to assist persons who would love to get engaged with the project.

The president of the Fako Chiefs conference and the Batoke Customary Court, Dr Molive Molungu Otto, used the opportunity to invite his peers to embrace the project during this period where fish catch has drastically reduced due to unhealthy activities at the sea and other factors. He reiterated that the greenhouse project is a viable solution for fishermen, vendors, and others involved in the fish sector, as it will provide them with the means to stay in business and continue providing for their respective families.

During the Open Door Day at AMCO's branch office in Limbola, the first harvest of the bell pepper was carried out, and many marvelled at the great harvest.

This article was originally published by Invest in Limbe and has been adapted with minor editorial edits